Nika Prevc prevails after phenomenal Falun finish

Reigning Crystal Globe champion Nika Prevc (SLO) claimed her first victory of the winter in Falun (SWE), denying Nozomi Maruyama (JPN) a record-equaling fourth straight win to open the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup season.

Maruyama had dominated the first three events, including Friday’s Falun competition, and another victory would have matched teammate Sara Takanashi’s 2013/14 start. After 15th and 3rd-place finishes in Lillehammer, Prevc signaled top form in Falun, where she placed second on the Normal Hill before sealing the Large Hill win.

Prevc delivered 125 m in round one and an outstanding, hill-record 132 m in round two for 252.3 points. Maruyama took second with 244.4 points after improving from 122.5 m (119.6 pts) to 129 m (124.8 pts). Eirin Maria Kvandal (NOR) earned her first podium of the season in third with 234.4 points.

“I feel really happy about my jumps today,” Prevc told FIS. “Those were the best of the season yet. Maybe I just woke up, but from the first jump I had confidence—and hill records, that’s what I like the most!” Kvandal called the podium in Falun a great result after a difficult summer and said she is excited for the rest of the winter—and for next season on the same hill.

Storms earlier in the week prompted a schedule swap, moving the women’s Large Hill to the final day. After leading qualifying by 10 points, Maruyama appeared poised to continue her streak, but Prevc edged ahead by 1.2 points after the first round and sealed the win with her record leap.

Falun hosted its first World Cup events since 2014 and delivered a strong return across women’s and men’s competitions. For stars like Prevc, Maruyama, Stefan Kraft (AUT) and Anže Lanišek (SLO), the success is a promising sign with Falun set to host the 2027 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships.

With the victory—her 23rd individual World Cup win—20-year-old Prevc adds to a résumé that already includes two straight Crystal Globes, the Two Nights Tour title, and World Championships success.