Three-time Olympic champion Kamil Stoch has announced the definitive end of his professional ski jumping career. The decision was made during the Winter Olympics in Italy, where the legendary athlete served in a supporting role for younger teammates. Although Stoch did not participate in the final pairs competition, he stated that he does not intend to completely disappear from the sports world, focusing in the future on new professional challenges and family life.

End of the Olympic journey

Kamil Stoch concluded his participation in the 2026 Winter Olympics, confirming that these were his last Olympics in his sports career.

Last jump in Planica

The official farewell of the champion will take place soon on the Letalnica hill in Slovenia, where Stoch will make his final professional jump.

New generation on the podium

In Stoch's absence from the lineup, Paweł Wąsek and Kacper Tomasiak won the silver medal in the Olympic pairs competition.

The end of an era in Polish sports became a fact during the 2026 Winter Olympics. The Winter Olympics in Predazzo were the last event of this caliber in Kamil Stoch's career. The legendary jumper, although part of the team, had to acknowledge the superiority of younger colleagues. Coach Maciej Maciusiak, despite the master's immense merits, decided to field Paweł Wąsek and Kacper Tomasiak in the pairs competition. This decision proved correct in sporting terms, as Poland's debut in this event ended with a silver medal. Stoch, showing great class, observed the competition from the bottom of the hill, actively supporting and congratulating his successors. Kamil Stoch made his Olympic debut in 2006 in Turin. Over two decades, he became one of the most decorated ski jumpers in history, winning three Olympic gold medals and twice claiming the Crystal Globe for victory in the overall World Cup standings. Although the champion returns from Italy without an individual medal, his attitude received immense recognition from experts, including former president of the Polish Ski Association Apoloniusz Tajner. Stoch emphasized in media conversations that he feels tired but also great satisfaction from his colleagues' successes. He also announced that his final jump in his professional career will be made on the mammoth hill Letalnica in Slovenian Planica. Referring to the future, the jumper from Ząb suggested that he will remain close to sports, though in a different role than before. He also mentioned wanting to dedicate more time to his wife, Ewa Bilan-Stoch, who supported him throughout his sporting struggles for years. „Coming here to these Olympics, I assumed I would be celebrating my own success, but instead I came to celebrate my colleagues' success. And I would say that this joy is certainly no less.” — Kamil Stoch The retirement of an athlete of Stoch's caliber forces a generational change in the Polish training system. The successes of younger athletes, such as Kacper Tomasiak, who shone with form in Predazzo, give hope for maintaining the high level of Polish ski jumping after the leader's departure. The athlete noted that he does not intend to completely withdraw from the public sphere, and his experience is to be used in the further development of the discipline in the country. An official farewell to fans is planned for the season's final competition, which traditionally attracts crowds of fans from Poland. 3 — Olympic gold medals won by Kamil Stoch 2026 Winter Olympics Pairs Competition - Predazzo: 1. Austria — 1st place; 2. Poland — Silver; 3. Norway — 3rd place

Mentioned People

  • Kamil Stoch — Three-time Olympic champion who announced the end of his career.
  • Kacper Tomasiak — Young Polish representative, silver medalist in the pairs competition.
  • Paweł Wąsek — Polish ski jumper, Olympic silver medalist from Predazzo.
  • Maciej Maciusiak — Coach of the Polish national ski jumping team.
  • Apoloniusz Tajner — Former president of the Polish Ski Association and coach, commenting on Kamil Stoch's retirement.