Long-time chief coach of the Finnish ski team, Reijo Jylhä, recounted an embarrassing incident from the early 1990s when he returned home drunk while his children were present.
Reijo Jylhä, who has been a significant figure in Finnish skiing as the head coach, shared an uncomfortable personal story about an incident that occurred in the early 1990s. During a development day for the coaching center in Vuokatti in May 1992, he revealed that he had returned home in a less than sober state, which was particularly troubling given the presence of his young children. This incident highlights not just personal accountability but also the challenges that public figures face in balancing their professional and personal lives.
In an attempt to turn the incident into a learning experience for his children, particularly for five-year-old Martin and three-year-old Annu, Jylhä tried to explain the effects of alcohol. However, this backfired when young Martin, unambiguously curious and perceptive, questioned whether his father had consumed alcohol merely to demonstrate its impacts. Jylhä found himself in an awkward position, struggling to provide a coherent answer, which only emphasized the innocence of his child's inquiry, revealing both the complexity of parenting and the sometimes hard lessons that arise from personal failings.
This anecdote not only sheds light on Jylhä's history as a coach but also reflects on a broader theme relating to what role public figures, particularly those in coaching or mentorship positions, should play in setting examples for younger generations. It raises awareness about the effects of alcohol, especially in a family setting, and the types of conversations that are essential yet difficult to navigate between parents and children, especially involving topics that can significantly impact lifelong learning and values.
