Bad Mitterndorf, Austria – The Kulm ski jumping hill played host to qualifying rounds on Friday, February 27, 2026, for the upcoming World Cup competition, with mixed results for the Polish team. Even as veterans Piotr Żyła and Kamil Stoch successfully secured their spots in Saturday’s event, three of their teammates—Paweł Wąsek, Klemens Joniak, and Dawid Kubacki—were left disappointed, failing to advance. The qualifying round was topped by Austria’s Stephan Embacher, setting the stage for an exciting competition on the famed Kulm hill.
The Kulm hill, known for its challenging conditions and potential for long flights, demands precision and skill from the athletes. The hill’s construction, with a K-point of 90 meters and a hill size of 235 meters, allows for jumps exceeding 200 meters, making it one of the most spectacular venues in the ski jumping world. The hill’s history is rich with memorable moments, and this weekend’s competition promises to add to its legacy.
Żyła and Stoch Lead the Way for Poland
Klemens Joniak was the first Polish jumper to grab to the Kulm hill during the qualification round. His jump of 181 meters, still, proved insufficient to secure a place in the competition, leaving him in 43rd position. Following Joniak, Paweł Wąsek, an Olympic medalist in the team event, and Dawid Kubacki took their turns. Wąsek managed a jump of 185.5 meters, while Kubacki landed at 169 meters, resulting in 41st and 48th place finishes respectively, and their elimination from Saturday’s contest. Wąsek narrowly missed qualification, falling just 0.1 points short of matching the distance of Stefan Kraft, who secured the final qualifying spot.
The spotlight then turned to the more experienced members of the Polish team. Piotr Żyła delivered a strong performance, soaring to a distance of 208.5 meters, earning him 16th place in the qualifying round. Kamil Stoch also demonstrated his skill, achieving a jump of 196.5 meters and securing the 30th position. Their successful qualification ensures that Poland will be represented by two athletes in Saturday’s main event. Stephan Embacher claimed the top spot in qualifying with an impressive jump of 219 meters, followed closely by Naoki Nakamura at 218.5 meters and Domen Prevc at 208.5 meters.
The competition at Kulm is particularly significant as it forms part of the larger FIS Ski Jumping World Cup circuit. The World Cup standings are closely watched by fans and athletes alike, with each event contributing to the overall championship title. Currently, Slovenia’s Domen Prevc leads the overall standings, with a 625-point advantage over Japan’s Ryoyu Kobayashi.
Saturday’s Competition Schedule
The ski jumping action on Saturday will begin at 12:30 PM local time with a trial round, allowing athletes to assess the conditions and fine-tune their techniques. The main competition is scheduled to commence one hour later, at 1:30 PM. Live coverage of the event will be provided by Przegląd Sportowy Onet, offering fans the opportunity to follow the action as it unfolds.
Here’s a summary of the Polish athletes’ performance in the qualifying round:
- 16. Piotr Żyła (208.5 m)
- 30. Kamil Stoch (196.5 m)
- 41. Paweł Wąsek (185.5 m — did not qualify)
- 43. Klemens Joniak (181 m — did not qualify)
- 48. Dawid Kubacki (169 m — did not qualify)
Looking Ahead
The absence of Kacper Tomasiak from the Polish team at Kulm is notable, as he is currently competing at the FIS Junior World Championships in Trondheim, Norway. Tomasiak’s strong performance at the recent Olympic Games, where he secured multiple medals, has positioned him as a rising star in the sport. His participation in the Junior World Championships underscores Poland’s commitment to developing young talent in ski jumping.
The Kulm competition represents a significant challenge for all the athletes involved, demanding not only technical skill but also mental fortitude. The hill’s imposing size and unpredictable wind conditions require jumpers to maintain focus and execute their jumps with precision. The event is expected to draw a large crowd of spectators, eager to witness the thrilling spectacle of ski jumping on one of the world’s most iconic hills.
The competition will consist of two individual events this weekend, with qualifying rounds preceding each. The demanding nature of the Kulm hill ensures that only the most skilled and courageous jumpers will be able to contend for victory. Fans can expect a weekend of exciting competition and impressive displays of athleticism.
As the ski jumping season progresses, the battle for the overall World Cup title is intensifying. Domen Prevc’s current lead is a testament to his consistent performance throughout the year, but with several events still remaining, the championship remains wide open. The Kulm competition will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the final standings.
The Polish team will be looking to build on the success of Piotr Żyła and Kamil Stoch in Saturday’s competition, hoping to secure valuable points and improve their position in the World Cup standings. Despite the disappointment of seeing three teammates eliminated in qualifying, the Polish team remains optimistic and determined to perform at their best.
The ski jumping community eagerly anticipates Saturday’s competition at Kulm, promising a thrilling display of skill, courage, and athleticism. With the world’s best jumpers competing on one of the most challenging hills in the world, the event is sure to be a memorable one.
Stay tuned for updates from Bad Mitterndorf as the competition unfolds. We will continue to provide comprehensive coverage of the event, bringing you the latest news, results, and analysis. Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow ski jumping enthusiasts.