Feb 12 • 08:54 UTC 🇫🇮 Finland Iltalehti

IL follows: Alcohol scandal overshadows Finland's Olympic day – Niskanen and Pärmäkoski defending Olympic medals

Today's Olympic events for Finland are marred by an alcohol scandal involving the ski jumping team coach, as athletes compete for medals.

The upcoming Olympic events for Finland have drawn significant attention, especially focusing on the 10-kilometer interval start cross-country skiing event where Kerttu Niskanen and Krista Pärmäkoski are set to defend their Olympic medals. On this notable day, Finland's female hockey team is also scheduled to face Canada, while alpine skier Rosa Pohjolainen competes in super-G, and four Finnish skiers aim for a spot in the mogul skiing finals.

However, the excitement surrounding these events has been overshadowed by negative news concerning the Finnish ski jumping team. The head coach Igor Medved has reportedly returned home early due to issues related to alcohol, raising concerns about the team's professionalism and focus leading into the critical Olympic competitions. This incident has sparked discussions among fans and analysts about the impact of such scandals on athletes' performances and the overall reputation of Finnish sports.

As coverage continues, the focus shifts to the immediate implications for the athletes and the team's morale. Athletes like Niskanen and Pärmäkoski carry the weight of defending their titles amidst this unfolding scandal, which, while separate from their individual performances, casts a shadow over Finland's Olympic participation. The situation underscores the complex interplay between personal conduct and professional sporting success, proving essential for the nation as it strives for glory in the upcoming events in Milan-Cortina 2026.

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