Kamil Stoch: The Final Flight of Poland’s Ski Jumping Legend
PLANICA, 29 March 2026 – This weekend in the Slovenian valley of Planica, an era in winter sports will draw to a close. Kamil Stoch, Poland’s most decorated Winter Olympian and one of ski jumping’s all-time greats, is set to compete for the final time. The 38-year-old icon will take his last jumps at the World Cup finals, marking the end of a career that has spanned nearly two decades and brought glory to his nation.
A Career Forged in Gold
Born on 25 May 1987 in Zakopane, Poland, Kamil Wiktor Stoch rose from the heart of the Tatra Mountains to dominate his sport on the world’s biggest stages. His legacy is cemented by an unparalleled collection of Olympic medals.
Olympic Glory
Stoch is a three-time Olympic gold medallist, a feat that makes him Poland’s most successful Winter Olympian. He triumphed in both the normal and large hill events at the Sochi 2014 Games, defending his large hill title four years later at PyeongChang 2018. His career total also includes an Olympic team bronze medal.
World Cup Dominance
Beyond the Olympics, Stoch’s consistency at the highest level has been remarkable. According to his official athlete biography, he has claimed 39 individual World Cup victories and won the coveted overall World Cup crystal globe twice. His personal best jump stands at an astonishing 251.5 metres.
The Pillar of Support: Family Life
Away from the glare of competition, Stoch’s personal life has been a cornerstone of his longevity. He married photographer and designer Ewa Bilan in a private ceremony in Zakopane on 7 August 2010. Ewa Bilan-Stoch has been a constant and vocal source of support throughout his career, often highlighted in interviews and social media tributes for her role in his success.
The Final Chapter: Planica 2026
The 2025/26 season has been a long farewell tour for the Polish legend. This weekend’s events in Planica serve as the final act. The official programme for Sunday, 29 March 2026, lists a Men’s Individual Competition, preceded by a “Meet & Greet with Kamil Stoch”.
The atmosphere is charged with emotion, as reflected in recent social media posts from the International Ski Federation (FIS): “The last competition of the season. The last competition of Manuel Fettner. And the last competition of Kamil Stoch. We only thought we were ready for this…“
Kamil Stoch’s Legacy and Records
To summarise the career of this extraordinary athlete:
| Achievement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Olympic Gold Medals | 3 (Sochi 2014: Normal Hill, Large Hill; PyeongChang 2018: Large Hill) |
| World Cup Victories | 39 (Individual) |
| World Cup Titles | 2 (Overall Champion) |
| Personal Best Jump | 251.5 m |
| Marital Status | Married to Ewa Bilan (since 7 August 2010) |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Kamil Stoch retiring?
Kamil Stoch is retiring from professional ski jumping imminently. His final competition is scheduled for Sunday, 29 March 2026, at the World Cup finals in Planica, Slovenia.
How many Olympic medals does Kamil Stoch have?
Kamil Stoch has won four Olympic medals: three golds (Sochi 2014 Normal Hill, Sochi 2014 Large Hill, PyeongChang 2018 Large Hill) and one bronze (team event).
Who is Kamil Stoch’s wife?
Kamil Stoch is married to Ewa Bilan, a photographer and designer. They wed on 7 August 2010 in Zakopane, Poland.
What is Kamil Stoch’s personal best jump?
His personal best jump is recorded at 251.5 metres.
Where was Kamil Stoch born?
He was born in Zakopane, in the Tatra region of Poland, on 25 May 1987.