After many successes, Stefan Kraft has drawn a line and announced a change.

Austrian ski jumping star Stefan Kraft has officially ended his long-standing partnership with equipment manufacturer Fischer, marking a major shift for one of the sport’s all-time greats. The 33-year-old Salzburg native confirmed the split on social media on Monday evening, bringing a close to a collaboration that spanned his entire World Cup career. In an emotional post accompanied by images of his greatest victories, Kraft thanked Fischer for being part of his journey, citing countless unforgettable moments, achievements, and fulfilled dreams. This decision concludes an era defined by record-breaking success, as Kraft prepares to enter the new season with a different brand. Throughout his time with Fischer, Kraft achieved some of the highest accolades in ski jumping history. He secured three overall World Cup titles, known as the Big Crystal Globes, along with three world championship gold medals. His trophy cabinet also includes an Olympic gold medal won in team competition. According to detailed statistics cited in recent reports, Kraft stands as the third most successful jumper of all time with 46 World Cup wins, while leading the rankings with 129 podium finishes and 243 top-ten placements. He holds the record for the most points scored in World Cup history, totaling 16,197. Additionally, he claimed victory in the New Year’s Tour and the Raw Air tour three times each, and added three summer World Cup titles to his resume. The transition away from Fischer was preceded by extensive testing during the summer months. Kraft evaluated skis from various manufacturers, including those produced by Slovenian entrepreneur Peter Slatnar. Slatnar had previously disclosed in July that several top Austrian jumpers were trying out his equipment, though he declined to name them at the time. While quality played a role, Slatnar noted that financial offers also influence such decisions. Ultimately, Kraft did not select Slatnar’s gear. Instead, he opted for skis manufactured by Van Deer, a brand established by former Alpine skiing champion Marcel Hirscher in cooperation with Red Bull. There is a notable detail regarding the branding of Kraft’s new equipment. Although the skis will be produced by Van Deer, they are reportedly set to carry the label Biogena Sports rather than the Van Deer name. Biogena is an Austrian company operating in the field of nutritional supplements and micronutrients. Kraft will not be the sole athlete using this specific setup, as Austrian jumper Lisa Eder already competes on Biogena Sports skis made by Van Deer. Furthermore, Kraft will join forces with national teammate Daniel Tschofenig under the Van Deer umbrella, creating a familiar dynamic within the Austrian squad. News of the potential switch began circulating in Austrian media at the end of September, but Kraft kept the final decision private until his public announcement. The timing coincides with the start of the upcoming competitive season. For Kraft, who competed on Fischer skis since he was young, this change represents a significant departure from the equipment that supported his most successful period. During his tenure with Fischer, he also held the world distance record for eight years after setting a mark of 253.5 meters in Vikersund in 2017. That record stood until last year when Slovenia’s Domen Prevc extended it by one meter to 254.5 meters at the Bratrstva Gorišek ski flying hill. While the departure from Fischer is now certain, official confirmation of the new material partner was still pending at the time of initial reporting. However, multiple sources indicate that the choice has been finalized. Kraft’s statistical dominance in the sport underscores the magnitude of this career pivot. He ranks first in nearly all major statistical categories, solidifying his status as a central figure in the discipline. As he steps into the new season, the focus shifts to how these new skis perform in high-level competition. The Austrian team will watch closely as Kraft adapts to the Biogena Sports labeled gear, aiming to maintain his position among the elite global competitors. The change marks the end of a chapter that saw him achieve peak performance levels consistently over many years.