Noriaki — the true hero of the ski jumping sport

I was really incredibly excited to meet Noriaki Kasai again at Holmenkollen after many years. The last time we met was in Sapporo, when Noriaki personally jumped the two hills in Sapporo and Miyanomori after the renovation. It then truly made me realize the significance of ski jumping in Japan and which national heroines and heroes they have in their country. Ski jumping enthusiasts can find something about ski jumping in almost every newspaper, and even in some ads you see the Nordic flying stars.

That he is still in the ski jumping circle at 51 years old and is starting a comeback tour is as admirable as it is crazy. Only nine years age difference separate us! And the fact that he still plummets down the largest ski jump in the world in Vikersund earns him my utmost respect!