FIS congratulated the Poles — a surprising reason

On 1 January Abigail Strate had a big reason to celebrate — she won her first women's World Cup ski jumping competition. Shortly afterwards FIS sent an unusual congratulatory message addressed also to a Polish family.

Polish fans enjoyed the New Year contest in Garmisch‑Partenkirchen, not least because of a fine performance by Kacper Tomasiak, who — like in Innsbruck on Sunday — finished eighth. Canadian Abigail Strate celebrated a major success of her own.

Strate then posted an amusing note on X, referring to a coincidence: the first child born in Poland in 2026 (in Warsaw) was named Abigail. "Coincidence? I don't think so," she wrote.

The story drew further attention on Sunday when FIS also tweeted congratulations to the Polish parents. The federation wrote: "Congratulations to the parents of little Abi, who was born just three days ago, and congratulations to our Abi, who celebrated her first World Cup win in Oberstdorf." (Tweet referenced.)

Polish ski jumping after New Year

The article also highlights the good form of Polish jumpers at the New Year events: Kacper Tomasiak's top‑10 finishes in Innsbruck and Garmisch were singled out as reasons for Polish supporters' satisfaction during the Four Hills Tournament sequence.

Sources: media reports and social posts by Abigail Strate and FIS.