Tough capture: Norwegian man to the Finnish national team
Norwegian ski coach Kristian Skogstad will join the Finnish national team coaching staff for the next season.
Norwegian ski coach Kristian Skogstad is set to join the Finnish national team's coaching staff for the upcoming season, as reported by Iltalehti. Previously, Skogstad served as the head coach for Team Elon, an area team in Northern Norway, where he successfully coached Olympic champion Erik Valnes and former national team skier Anna Svendsen. Skogstad turned down an offer from the Swedish national team two years ago due to family reasons, highlighting his commitment to remaining in Norway with his spouse and three children.
The Northern Norwegian area team is now in search of a new coach following Skogstad's departure to Finland, as ongoing economic challenges have prompted leadership changes within the team. Meanwhile, the Finnish Ski Association has confirmed that Joakim Abrahamsson, a Swedish coach, will take over the role of head coach for the national team after this current season ends. This transition indicates a shift in strategy for the Finnish team, as both head coach Teemu Pasanen and women's coach Reijo Jylhรค have opted to step down voluntarily.
The coaching changes come at a critical time as Finland seeks to boost its performance in international skiing competitions. There is interest from Pia Pekonen, the current assistant coach for the women's team, to continue in her role, suggesting a potential continuity in the coaching structure despite the recent changes. The unfolding dynamics will be pivotal in shaping the future of Finland's skiing legacy and its competitive edge in the sport.