"Legend" Kasai Jumped 3rd in a Row in Nordic Ski World Cup

Yoshinori Kasai, the legendary jumper at age 43.8, snatched bronze medals two jumps in a row, #16 on February 10th in Trondheim and #17 on 12th in Vikersund, both in Norway. That makes his winning streak to consecutive three at 418.5 points - breaking his own personal record. That was his 59th trip to the podium.

At Trondheim (HS140m, K-Point124m) Kasai jumped 127m to place 10th in the 1st jump but cleared the hill record by stretching to 143m to place 3rd in total. Daiki Ito and Taku Takeuchi placed 5th and 23rd respectively.

At Vikersund (HS225m, K-Point 200m) Kasai jumped 231.5m and 230m, respectively, to clinch a bronze medal. He made the podium for the fourth time this season - his 60th win placing him 9th in the world. Daiki Ito and Shouhei Tochimoto placed 19th and 24th, respectably.

Kasai had lost his ailing sister earlier in the year at age 38. She had spent much of her time in hospitals and her family postponed her funeral five days in time for his return hime to attend his sister's funeral.

Yoshinori Kasai carries sad memories of his mother who had passed away due to an injury from a fire. He says he always feels both his mother and sister padding on his back each time he jumps. No wonder then he displays an air of determination and some sense of obligation every time he flies. Besides his trained physical stamina, Kasai has a mental booster to send him afloat.

Japan has two outstanding jumpers both stretching winning streaks - Sara Takanashi in women's jump and Kasai in men's. It's symbolic that both are at either end of the age brackets - Sara at age 19 and Noriyuki at 43.8.

Good show, Kasai.