Valentin Foubert fifth on the small hill at the 2026 Olympics: "I gave everything I could"

Valentin Foubert, disappointed after his last jump on Monday evening (photo: Michel Cottin/Agence Zoom).

French ski‑jumper Valentin Foubert, who finished fifth in the small‑hill event at the Milan‑Cortina 2026 Olympic Games in Val di Fiemme, said he tried to keep a positive view despite missing out on what could have been a historic medal for French ski jumping.

“On the first jump it was pretty good. I was happy. I made a good jump, everything was fine. Then the second jump was more complicated… I don’t know what I did. Still, I enjoyed it. The important thing is that I finished in a good position. In the World Cup I’m not used to jumping second to last. Luckily I know Raimund (the gold medallist) and Sundal (10th) well. The stress was enormous at the start and only decreased afterwards. I gave everything I could. I don’t think I could have blown the competition away. I was hoping for a small podium, of course. There is a bit of rage and a feeling of ‘well, it’s not the end of the world’. I’ll give everything on the large hill. Athletes who weren’t at their best here will be up there. Domen (Prevc) will smash it, I’m sure. I’m disappointed but I’m happy: I’m within my objectives.”

The small‑hill contest at the Milan‑Cortina 2026 Olympic Games was contested Monday evening in Val di Fiemme. Foubert now turns his attention to the large hill competition later in the programme.