Finnish Olympic Committee sent drunken ski jump coach home from the Olympics
The Finnish Olympic Committee has sent ski jumping coach Igor Medved home from the Olympic Games in Milan Cortina due to violations of team rules regarding alcohol consumption.
The Finnish Olympic Committee announced on Thursday that it has dismissed ski jumping coach Igor Medved from the Milan Cortina Olympic Games after he violated team rules related to alcohol consumption. Janne Hänninen, the manager of the Finnish Olympic team, emphasized the seriousness of such violations in a press statement, stating that they respond quickly to any breach of regulations. This decision reflects a strong stance by the committee to ensure that all team members uphold the standards of conduct expected at such an international sporting event.
Hänninen further highlighted that the team's head coach, Lasse Moilanen, will continue to lead the Finnish contingent during the remainder of the Olympics. Following Medved's dismissal, Marleena Valtasola, the head of the Finnish Ski Association, indicated that discussions regarding Medved's future within the organization would take place after the conclusion of the Olympic Games. This indicates that the situation could have long-lasting implications for Medved's coaching career within Finnish skiing.
In a statement of remorse, the 44-year-old Medved apologized for his actions, expressing regret to the entire Finnish team, athletes, and fans. His acknowledgment of the mistake suggests a degree of accountability, though the consequences of his actions will likely reverberate beyond the Olympics. So far, Finland's best result at the Milan Cortina Olympics has been 14th place achieved by Vilho Palosaari in the men's normal hill event, indicating that the team is under pressure to improve their standings in the ongoing competitions.