Eva Pinkelnig is back: the Austrian ski jumping star returns to the hill one year after the Predazzo tragedy

A star is shining again, although the road back to competitiveness, as she had immediately warned after the injury while openly declaring that she wanted to continue her career rather than end it that way, is still a long one.

Eva Pinkelnig started jumping again this morning on the Tschagguns hill, immediately receiving very positive feedback after the hours and sessions in the wind tunnel. Austria has regained an absolute champion, after also breathing a sigh of relief at Lisa Eder's decision to reverse her retirement plans.

Practically a year has passed since the serious injury suffered by the 2023 World Cup winner in Predazzo on September 18, 2025. During the Grand Prix event that served as a test for the Olympic hills ahead of the Games the following February, her left knee gave way on landing, resulting in a torn anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus.

We will see whether Eva can already return for the opening World Cup events, with the long-term goal of the World Championships in Falun. She is a multiple world medalist, but has yet to win gold. “Today was a truly special moment for me,” Pinkelnig said via the Austrian federation after the training session in Tschagguns. “Thank you to everyone who supported me in this comeback. Returning to the top of the hill after such a long time and starting to jump again was emotional and simply wonderful at the same time.

Of course, there was also a great deal of respect and caution, but confidence returned after every jump. Above all, I am very happy that my knee held up well. Now it is a matter of continuing step by step and not rushing.”

Women's team head coach Thomas Diethart added: “Eva has worked with great consistency in recent months and earned this milestone through her dedication. The first jumps were, of course, an important step for us. The crucial question now is how her body, and especially her knee, will respond to the strain. If everything continues to go this well, we can take the next steps. We are certainly very optimistic now.”