Kaisa Mäkäräinen, a former top biathlete from Finland, has recently started providing commentary for Yle's television broadcasts as the Olympics in Milan-Cortina approach. Initially, she took on the role of a radio commentator for the Olympic radio service, which has drawn attention due to the growing interest in biathlon among Finnish audiences. Mäkäräinen will share her insights alongside another expert commentator, Ville Kotikumpu, alternating between radio and television broadcasts.

Yle's editorial manager, Kristiina Kekäläinen, has noted that the decision to focus on expert commentary is driven by the increased interest in biathlon among the Finnish public, further reflecting the rising popularity of winter sports in Finland. The media outlet aims to enhance the coverage of the upcoming Olympics and capture the audience's attention as Finnish athletes prepare for significant competitions, underlining the expectations surrounding medal wins.

This strategic move to include former athletes like Mäkäräinen not only adds authenticity to the commentary provided during the games but also reflects a broader trend in sports broadcasting, where networks seek to integrate knowledgeable former competitors into their coverage. Given Mäkäräinen's expertise and popularity, her presence on television could significantly enhance viewer engagement and enjoyment of the Olympic events, especially for biathlon, an area in which Finland has high medal expectations.