Ilkka Herola and Eero Hirvonen, both 30, are currently enjoying the peak of their skiing careers, having earned two medals at the upcoming Milano–Cortina Olympics. Despite this success, they are contemplating whether to continue their careers in the sport after this winter season. Finnish skiing enthusiasts wonder if they can still expect remarkable performances from them in the future.

Herola has openly shared the difficulty of making such a decision, stating he can't even decide immediately after the last competition of the season and needs more time to think. He expresses a deep passion for competing, especially since he feels capable of standing on the podium every weekend in his current form. However, he must also consider the significant sacrifices he has made for sports over the past 15 years, which weighs heavily on his thoughts about retirement.

On the other hand, Hirvonen appears to be further along in his reflections about his future in skiing. Their discussions reveal the complex emotions athletes face regarding the end of their competitive journeys, especially when success is achieved, yet the burdens of their sport linger.