In a surprising twist at a skiing competition, Finnish athlete Ilkka Herola donned glitter on his face as requested by teammate Minja Korhonen. At only 18 years old, Korhonen took the initiative, demonstrating her playful competitive spirit, while Herola, 30, humorously expressed that he was attempting to maintain a façade of resistance to the new trend, which he briefly embraced last season during the World Championships in Trondheim.

The duo's collaboration paid off as they secured a second-place finish in the mixed team event at the Lahti World Cup. Korhonen shared her excitement about participating in this new format of racing, stating it was a clear success. Herola commented on the competition, highlighting that consistent skiing and teamwork were vital in achieving their podium finish, especially during the challenging conditions following the jump.

Siilinjärvi, the hometown of both athletes, is a small municipality in Northern Savonia with a population of just over 20,000. Their success not only showcases their talent but also emphasizes the evolving dynamics in sports where individual expression is becoming more accepted, making competitive events not just about performance but also about fun and personal style.