Ryuichi Kobayashi, who won a bronze medal in the mixed team event at the Nordic skiing jump during the Milan-Cortina Olympics, returned to Japan on the 20th and held a press conference at a hotel in Tokyo. He remarked that the Olympics were filled with valuable lessons, despite not replicating his previous Olympic success in Beijing, where he secured both gold and silver medals individually. Kobayashi expressed that he was unable to fully perform this time and hinted at the psychological pressures he faced, noting that while there weren't any technical issues, he needs to approach competitions more comfortably in the future.

Alongside him on the same flight was Ren Nikaido, who received silver and two bronze medals in the men's individual events and mixed team. However, Nikaido missed the press conference due to health issues, prompting concern from Kobayashi, who acknowledged the pressures associated with competition. When asked about future competitions, particularly the 2030 Olympics in the French Alps, Kobayashi conveyed a cautious optimism about their ability to compete at the forefront, stating that he and Nikaido are aging and that it’s essential to provide opportunities for younger athletes to grow through experience.

Kobayashi's reflections on his Olympic journey not only underscore individual challenges but also highlight the broader context of athletic development and succession in Japanese ski jumping. His acknowledgment of the mental aspects of performance, as well as the need to foster the next generation, indicates a forward-looking approach as he prepares to tackle the impending challenges of the sport while considering the legacy of athletes like himself and Nikaido.