Hannu Manninen, a legendary figure in Nordic combined skiing, has expressed his admiration for fellow skier Eero Hirvonen following his impressive achievement of winning a bronze medal at the Olympic Games in Val di Fiemme. This victory was particularly notable as it marked the first medal for Finland in the competition, highlighting Hirvonen’s strong fighting spirit and resilience in challenging conditions.

Manninen, who has known Hirvonen from their shared years on the national team, describes him as a calm and honorable individual. During the Olympic event, Hirvonen faced tough competition but demonstrated remarkable determination, especially towards the end of the race as he worked to catch up with competitors Jens Lurås Oftebro and Johannes Lamparter. Despite their superior performance, Hirvonen managed to secure the bronze, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.

The significance of Hirvonen's success extends beyond the medal itself, as it represents a breakthrough for Finnish skiing in the international arena. Manninen's comments underline the importance of this achievement not only for Hirvonen but also for the future of Nordic combined sports in Finland, where the challenge now will be to build on this momentum in upcoming competitions.