Finnish combined athlete Eero Hirvonen has received substantial financial support from the state, amounting to €60,000 in tax-free athlete scholarships awarded by the Ministry of Education and Culture for the Olympic period of 2022-2025. This funding is crucial for Hirvonen, as he states it enables him to pursue his sporting career professionally, reflecting on the financial struggles many athletes face. He expresses gratitude for being in a fortunate position, having received support thanks to his previous successes in the sport.

Hirvonen notes that in 2022-2023, he received a mid-sized scholarship of €10,000 per year, demonstrating the state's commitment to supporting athletes who show promise and consistent performance. His results in the World Cup during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons included rankings of 24th and 16th, respectively. These placements indicate that while he is still building his career, he has the potential for future success, which influences the support he receives.

Looking ahead, Hirvonen is set to receive the maximum scholarship amount of €20,000 per year for the years 2024-2025, which reflects his growing recognition and consistent performance in his sport. This investment from the government not only underscores the importance of supporting athletes for their development but also highlights the role of state funding in nurturing talent in Finland. Hirvonen's situation serves as a reminder of the complexities of funding in sports and the impact of financial support on athlete careers.