Following the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup events in Japan today, renowned athlete Noriaki ‘Legend’ Kasai (Japan, b.1972) was awarded with two official Guinness World Records certificates honouring his recent record achievements in the sport.
The multi medal-winning ski jumper holds the title for the Most appearances in FIS Nordic World Ski Championships by an individual ski jumper, taking part in 12 of the biennial sports events from 1989 to 2015.
Mr Kasai was also recognised today for having the Most individual starts in FIS Ski Jumping World Cup competitions. The officially verified record total is 488 (from 17 December 1988 to 6 January 2016), but following his jumps this weekend he has completed an amazing total of 490 individual starts.
Kasai made his World Cup debut back in 1988 and soon became known as one of the world’s best ski jumpers, celebrated for his unique style of holding his body almost flat between his two skis.
Over his incredible career, the 43-year-old has racked up a series of impressive records, including the Most winter Olympic appearances by an athlete, having attended seven events. (He shares this title with Russian luger Albert Demchenko).
Kasai won a silver medal during the Lillehammer Games in 1994.
On 17 February 2014, the unrelenting sportsman won bronze in the men’s ski jump event aged 41 years 256 days, earning the title Oldest ski jump medallist at a Winter Olympic Games. The month before that he became the Oldest ski jumping World Cup event winner, after taking gold in Tauplitz, Austria.
This was the year Kasai became known as “The Legend”.
Speaking after today's presentation, Kasai said:"When I was a child, I hated losing anytime, anywhere. That must be the secret of my achievement now. "
"When it come to 'continuing belief', it is important for me to have consideration and appreciation for other people - I have many people to thank for my achievement".