Feb 7 • 20:39 UTC 🇫🇮 Finland Iltalehti

Finnish athlete who impressed at the Olympics explains his outfit choice

A Finnish athlete explains his unconventional outfit choice during the Olympics, while fellow competitors fell short of making it to the finals in freeski slopestyle.

At the recent Olympic Games, Finnish athletes in freeski slopestyle did not advance to the finals, with Elias Syrjä finishing just outside the qualifying spots. He placed 13th in the semifinals, narrowly missing advancement by a mere 0.07 points. Another Finnish competitor, Kuura Koivisto, finished in 14th place and attracted significant attention for his unique outfit choice during the event.

Koivisto's decision to wear a sleeveless shirt and a full face covering while other athletes donned longer jackets raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about style versus performance. He explained his choice in a statement from the Olympic Committee, stating that it was simply to gain speed, especially for the final jump which required a high velocity. He shared that competitive training had been very warm, leading him to opt for lighter clothing during the competition.

The outfit choice has generated buzz not only among fans but also within the broadcast community, with commentators questioning the judging criteria and how attire can impact performance. This incident highlights the intersection of personal expression and athletic performance in high-stakes situations such as the Olympics, and it raises questions about the influence of clothing on both the athlete's experience and the judges’ perceptions.

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