Noriaki Kasai's secret to longevity. Coach reveals ski jumper's diet

Noriaki Kasai, a 51-year-old seasoned ski jumper, continues to be a symbol of the sport, although his recent achievements have been limited. What is the secret to his sustained career? His coach has provided some insight.

At 51, Kasai shows no signs of retiring from his ski jumping career. He recently showcased an impressive performance at the Okurayama ski jump in Sapporo, Japan, during the UHB Hub Cup, finishing in fourth place.

His performance left his fans in admiration, a welcome turn around as the previous months were difficult for him. His strong performance suggests he could still compete for a position on the World Cup or Continental Cup teams of Japan.

So, what is the secret to his longevity? His coach, Matjaz Zupan, shed light on this in a conversation with rtvslo.si. The Slovenian coach admitted that Kasai's diet, which indulges in fish, sushi, vegetables, and an overall healthy lifestyle, plays a crucial role in his success. His fitness, maintained by appropriate exercises, is also a significant factor.

However, Kasai's quest to compete with the best will not be straightforward, a sentiment echoed by Zupan.

Kasai is dedicated to qualifying for the World Ski Flying Championships, but initially, he must excel in domestic competitions. The first national competitions are slated for December. In January, he aims to compete in the Continental Cup in Sapporo to qualify for the championships, Zupan divulged.

Kasai boasts an impressive record. His noteworthy achievements include two silver medals and one bronze at the Olympic Games, seven World Championship medals, and a gold at the World Ski Flying Championships. He has also twice secured third position in the overall World Cup rankings.