Finnish President Alexander Stubb has taken a modern approach to congratulating Olympic medalists, diverging from the traditional practice of sending congratulatory faxes. Instead, Stubb reached out personally by phone to congratulate Eero Hirvonen, who won a bronze medal in the Nordic combined event at the ongoing Milan-Cortina Olympics, marking Finland's first medal of the Games.

Hirvonen expressed surprise and gratitude upon receiving the phone call, noting that congratulations were pouring in from various notable figures, indicating that his achievement resonated deeply with the public back home. He reflected on how such gestures highlight the significance of the Olympic spirit and the emotional connection it fosters among athletes and their supporters.

The atmosphere during Hirvonen's medal celebration was described as calm and reflective, where he enjoyed simple festivities with friends, including coffee and cake. This underscores the humble nature of Hirvonen, who, despite achieving a significant milestone, maintains a level-headed perspective on his accomplishments and the reactions they invoke from the public and prominent figures like the President.