Slovenia wins first medal at 2026 Winter Olympics

Nika Prevc has won her first Olympic medal but had to settle for silver after a closely-fought women's ski jumping competition, as Norway's Anna Stroem held her nerve to deny the Slovenian gold by just a point.

Prevc dominated the trial round but trailed Stroem by one point after the first round following a weaker landing, CE Report quotes The Slovenia Times.

The 20-year-old produced a stronger effort in the final round, yet Stroem remained composed to clinch the Olympic title by the narrowest of margins, 1.1 points.

Despite winning her first Olympic medal, Prevc admitted she was disappointed.

"Right after the competition it is difficult, because I know I did not do everything I had planned for the day. But still, an Olympic medal is an Olympic medal, everyone wants that," Prevc said.

The Slovenian arrived at the Games as the leading favourite, a two-time world champion and world record holder who has already collected 13 World Cup victories this season and tops the World Cup rankings. Stroem has recorded a single World Cup win this winter.

Prevc said the pressure of the occasion had taken its toll.

"I tried to relax, but ... when it runs you over, it runs you over. I believe it will be easier for me at the medal ceremony," she added, after seeking comfort with her parents immediately following the competition.

Japan's Nozomi Maruyama won bronze, finishing 5.5 points behind Prevc. Slovenia's Nika Vodan was the only other Slovenian finalist, placing eighth, 24.8 points adrift.

Slovenia head coach Jurij Tepeš said the contest unfolded as expected, having warned in advance that landings would be decisive.

"Yesterday I already said that today the telemark landing would decide it. The fact is that this was Nika's first Olympic Games and today she was under huge pressure," Tepeš told TV Slovenija.

The next Olympic ski jumping medal event will take place on 9 February, when the men compete on the normal hill. Prevc will have another opportunity to challenge for gold on 15 February in the large-hill event.

Photo: Matej Družnik/Delo/STA