A historically long ski jumping season comes to an end for “Michl & Kraftl

A long season has come to an end. Victories, crystal globe, milestone, top results, award and a warm welcome at home – for Stefan Kraft and Michael Hayböck the season 2022/2023 brought a lot with it.

Stefan Kraft can once again look back on a magnificent season! The Salzburg native was not only able to win the Ski Flying World Cup, but also ranked a strong second in the overall World Cup, behind season dominator Granerud (NOR). At the Nordic World Championships he jumped to his already 13th World Championship medal – the bronze in the team. “On Top” Stefan set a new milestone with his podium finishes: currently he holds with 98(!) podiums and is thus the sole runner-up in the best list of podium finishes behind Ahonen (FIN), as well as the best Austrian. In this season he celebrated an impressive 6 victories and stood on the podium 17 times!

In addition to his sporting successes, Stefan was awarded his fifth “Goldenen Löwen” for the “Sportsman of the Year in Salzburg” by the audience and fans at the Leonidas Gala.

Michael Hayböck can also look back with satisfaction on his first full season since his comeback after an intervertebral disc operation in October 2021: the Upper Austrian and Salzburg native by choice reached the top 10 13 times. He jumped with the team to World Championships bronze in Planica – his already 6th World Championships medal! In addition, he was able to celebrate 4 victories together with Austria. In the overall World Cup ranking Michi finished in 12th place, which proves his consistency!

At the end of a long season, his home club UVB Hinzenbach in Upper Austria hosted a great reception. Together with family, friends and the motivated children of the junior ski jumping team Michi could celebrate his World Championships medal and let the season sink in.