Jarl Magnus Riiber concluded his career on a high note, securing gold in both the mixed team and individual events at the Trondheim World Championships, marking his eleventh gold medal. Vinzenz Geiger made a remarkable comeback to claim bronze, adding to his impressive medal tally. Despite challenges, German teammates contributed to the team gold, while Riiber’s lead in the jumping phase set the stage for an exciting finish in cross-country skiing, with Geiger showcasing determination in his race for medals.
Jarl Magnus Riiber’s Grand Farewell
As the curtains draw on his illustrious career, Jarl Magnus Riiber of Norway savors a storybook ending at his final World Championship race held in Trondheim. The 27-year-old ski jumper and Nordic combined athlete clinched gold in both the mixed team event and the individual competition, along with triumphing in the 10-kilometer race on March 8, 2025. This victory marks the eleventh gold medal for Riiber, who will retire for health reasons after this season, leaving a remarkable legacy behind.
In a stunning display of skill, Riiber thrilled fans with a spectacular jump measuring 139 meters from the large hill earlier in the day. With a commanding lead of over a minute, his victory was almost a foregone conclusion. As he made his way to the finish line, the jubilant crowd cheered his name, waving Norwegian flags in celebration.
Vinzenz Geiger’s Remarkable Comeback
Vinzenz Geiger from Oberstdorf stole the spotlight alongside Riiber as he mounted a fierce comeback to secure the bronze medal, finishing just 1:11.1 minutes behind the champion. This achievement marks Geiger’s fourth medal at the Trondheim Championships, solidifying his status as a formidable competitor. The race for silver was tightly contested, with Norwegian athlete Joergen Graabak edging ahead in a thrilling final sprint.
“Four starts, four medals—it’s unbelievable,” Geiger expressed joyfully. “It has been a memorable week.” His impressive haul includes a gold medal from the team event, a silver from the mixed team, and another bronze from the individual event, showcasing his vital role in the German team’s success. In contrast, Germany had previously secured four silver medals in the last championship.
While Geiger celebrated his success, teammates Julian Schmid, Johannes Rydzek, and Wendelin Thannheimer contributed to the team gold but faced challenges in their individual performances. Schmid finished in sixth place, Thannheimer in tenth, and Rydzek in fourteenth, unable to match Geiger’s podium finish.
After the jumping phase in the final Nordic combined event, Riiber held the lead, setting the stage for an exciting cross-country skiing showdown. Geiger, starting from ninth place and more than two minutes behind, showed resilience and determination to close the gap. Schmid, initially in fourth place, faced stiff competition from strong runners like Johannes Lamparter from Austria and Graabak.
As the race progressed, Schmid and Geiger quickly advanced, merging with their competitors after just a few kilometers. The chase group began to catch up, with Graabak and Geiger pushing hard for position. In the final stretch, Geiger engaged in a thrilling contest with Graabak for silver, ultimately securing bronze while Graabak claimed the silver medal. “It was a tough cross-country race, but I seized the opportunity for a medal,” Geiger reflected with satisfaction after crossing the finish line.