Japan's Ryoyu Kobayashi flew a record distance of 291 meters on an impromptu ski jump, or flying hill, at the Icelandic ski resort of Hlðidarfjall.
A public relations campaign by beverage maker Red Bull has generated a sensation, but the Japanese flight will not be considered a world record.
An enormous amount of effort had gone into Iceland for Kobayashi's expedition; The temporary ski jump was tightly closed during the scene and is now scheduled to be dismantled immediately.
Kobayashi was originally aiming to reach the 300 meter mark, but after 291 meters it was all over.
Red Bull had already aimed to achieve the distance record in the Hohe Tauern National Park (AUT) in 2011, but the project was subsequently canceled shortly afterwards.
The current world record holders in ski flying are Silje Opseth (NOR) with 230.5 meters for women and Stefan Kraft (AUT) with 253.5 meters for men.
The International Ski Federation (FIS) published a statement about Kobayashi's flight in the afternoon and stressed that the conditions at the facility built specifically for Kobayashi were in no way comparable to the conditions at the Ski Flying World Cup:
Full statement of the Islamic Salvation Front:
“All official ski jumping and snowboarding competitions are based on the FIS ICRs (International Ski Competition Rules). These rules ensure that a competition which usually consists of two rounds under conditions similar to the entire starting field identifies the best athletes.
A ski flying competition must be based on an FIS approved distance measurement system and take place on an FIS approved ski flying hill in order to compare with other flights and be eligible for an official ski flying record.
At the same time, there are regulations on the materials used, for example, the length of the ski and the weight of the suit, which must be checked by an FIS-certified equipment inspector.
The current world record holders are Silje Opseth (NOR) with 230.5 metres, and Stefan Kraft (AUS) with 253.5 metres.
Ryoyu Kobayashi's jumps in Iceland were not made under competition conditions and in accordance with FIS rules. It shows exceptional sporting performance under very special conditions, but cannot be compared to the FIS Ski Flying World Cup, where the start date and the entire project are designed for one athlete and thus ultimately for one jump/flight.
“FIS hopes that the necessary precautions are taken to ensure the safety of the athlete and looks forward to seeing Ryoyu Kobayashi compete for the official FIS world record in the upcoming FIS World Cup season.”
Next winter, Kobayashi will aim for the world record again under competitive conditions. Target 254 meters or more.
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