Johanna Matintalo, a member of the women's ski relay team that won an Olympic bronze medal, took to Instagram to praise her partner, Lauri Vuorinen, sharing a heartfelt message about the critical role he has played in her athletic journey. In a photo shared before the Olympic rings, Matintalo expressed that she wouldn't be where she is today without Vuorinen's unwavering support, highlighting the bond they share and the challenges she faced in her career.

Matintalo reflected on her difficult path to the Olympics, recalling a recent experience where she competed despite suffering from severe calf tendon injuries the previous year. After a successful performance at the World Championships in Trondheim, another injury struck, leaving her feeling exhausted, frustrated, and uncertain about her sports career. However, she found the assistance she needed from closer than she expected, stating that without Vuorinen's help, she would not have been able to regain her footing both literally and metaphorically in her skiing career.

Johanna credited Lauri as her most critical supporter, attributing her ability to return to competitive skiing to his encouragement and assistance. This foundation has allowed her to not only compete but excel in the current season, ultimately leading to her significant achievements in the World Cup events. Matintalo's story serves as a poignant reminder of the personal struggles athletes face behind their public successes, and the importance of support systems in achieving one’s goals.