Gregor Deschwanden topped the trial round ahead of the first-ever Super Team competition at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics.
The Swiss jumper delivered a strong performance in the training session at the Trampolino Olimpico Italia in Cortina d'Ampezzo, setting the pace before the historic team event debuts at the Winter Games. The Super Team format, making its Olympic premiere, features a unique competition structure that differs from traditional team jumping.
Several top contenders chose to skip the trial round, including Slovenia's Domen Prevc and Japan's Ren Nikaido and Ryoyu Kobayashi. The decision to sit out training is common among experienced jumpers who prefer to conserve energy and focus on the competition itself, particularly when conditions and the hill are already familiar from previous events.
Historic Super Team Format at the Olympics
The Super Team event represents a significant addition to the Olympic ski jumping programme. Unlike the traditional team competition where four jumpers per nation compete, the Super Team format introduces new tactical elements and challenges for the world's best jumpers and their coaching staff.
Deschwanden's strong showing in the trial round demonstrates Switzerland's ambitions in the team competitions. The 33-year-old has been a consistent performer on the World Cup circuit and will be looking to translate his training form into medal contention when the official competition begins.
Top Stars Ready for Competition
While Kobayashi and his Japanese teammates opted out of the trial round, the reigning Olympic champion on the normal hill remains one of the favourites for the Super Team event. Japan has traditionally been a powerhouse in team ski jumping, and their strategic approach to skip training suggests confidence in their preparation.
The absence of several stars from the trial round adds an element of intrigue heading into the competition, as teams have revealed less about their current form and tactics than they might have otherwise. The Super Team event promises to deliver exciting action as nations compete for Olympic glory in this new format.
