#Japan #Winter Olympics #JAL #Iwate #Yuya Yachi

Yuya Yachi: Rising Star of Nordic Combined Skiing

On February 6, 2026, the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics will kick off, and among the competitors representing Japan will be Yuya Yachi. This talented athlete is not only an accomplished skier but also an employee of Japan Airlines (JAL), embodying the spirit of dedication both on and off the slopes.

Athlete Background

Yuya Yachi hails from Iwate Prefecture and is a graduate of Waseda University. Since joining JAL on April 1, 2023, he has balanced his professional responsibilities with rigorous training in Nordic combined skiing—a discipline that combines cross-country skiing and ski jumping. Yachi’s remarkable journey in competitive skiing includes significant achievements such as participating in the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and ranking seventh in the team event at the 2023 Nordic Combined World Championships.

Aiming for Glory in 2026

As he prepares for his second Olympic appearance, Yachi has set his sights on winning a medal. He reflects on his experience at the previous Games, viewing it as invaluable preparation for the upcoming competition. “I aim to perform at my very best on this grand stage, driven by the results and lessons learned from my past experiences,