Yuki Ito, the 32-year-old Japanese ski jumping star representing Tsuchiya Home, took to Instagram on the 11th to confirm her retirement from active competition after the 2026-2027 season. “I am reporting that I will retire from competitive ski jumping after this season,” she wrote in a heartfelt post.
Reflecting on her journey, Ito stated, “Since I first jumped from the Shimokawa hill at age four, I believe I have surpassed my previous self every season and flown even farther. In that pursuit, last season I achieved my goal of a 10th victory and also realized my dream of flying from the flying hill in Planica.”
She then appealed to fans: “If any of you come to watch my final jumps at various competitions this season, I would be absolutely delighted if you could bring even one person who has never seen ski jumping before. My greatest happiness would be if more people can experience the live atmosphere and the charm of ski jumping, and think, ‘I want to watch it again!'” Ito also revealed her reasoning for the early announcement, adding, “This is one of the reasons I announced my retirement at the start of the season.”
Ending her post with determination, she wrote, “This season, I will continue to challenge myself to surpass last year’s results, aim for a medal at the World Championships, set a world record on the flying hill, and keep fighting for the world’s best until my very last jump!”
Ito has been a fixture in the Women’s World Cup since its inaugural season and has competed in four consecutive Olympic Games. Her decision as a 32-year-old who has led Japanese women’s ski jumping has drawn an outpouring of support from fans, with comments such as, “I’ll definitely come this season! I believe you’ll shine!” and “I’ll cheer for you all the way until the end! Enjoy every jump with a smile!”
Born on May 10, 1994, in Shimokawa Town, Hokkaido, Ito started jumping at age four. She joined Tsuchiya Home after graduating from Shimokawa Commercial High School in 2013. Her World Cup debut came in February 2012 in Hinzenbach. Over her career, she has competed in 267 individual World Cup events, winning 10 and standing on the podium 29 times. Ito has also competed in nine consecutive World Championships, earning a gold medal in the mixed team event in 2013. She lives with her parents and younger brother.
