New Event Super Team, Japan Finishes 6th with 17 Countries Participating
Japan finished 6th in the new Olympic ski jumping event 'Super Team' with a reduced entry threshold, allowing 17 countries to compete.
The ski jumping event known as 'Super Team,' recently introduced as an Olympic discipline, took place on the 16th of this month Japan time, featuring male competitors only. Among the participants were Japanese athletes Ren Nikkaido and Ryoyu Kobayashi, who have previously secured three medals in this tournament. Japan ultimately placed 6th in the competition, showcasing the athletes' performance in this new format.
Unlike traditional team events that require four athletes to jump, the Super Team event features a pairing format where two athletes jump three times each, with their scores combined to determine the overall result. This new structure lowers the entry barriers for countries that may struggle to field a complete team of four, making it more inclusive. The entry for this inaugural event saw 17 countries participating, an increase from just 12 in the mixed team event held on the 10th.
The introduction of the Super Team event aims to increase global participation in ski jumping, potentially leading to a more competitive and diverse field of competitors in future Olympic Games. With growing interest and the opportunity for more nations to participate, this shift may set a precedent for how new Olympic events can foster international engagement in winter sports.