Historic World Championship Medal for Finland in Cross-Country Skiing – Lauri Vuorinen Stuns in Trondheim

Lauri Vuorinen secured a historic medal for Finland on the very first day of the World Championships in Trondheim, finishing third in the free technique sprint event. This is the first time a Finnish man has won a World Championship medal in a sprint race, breaking a 16‐year dry spell since Pirjo Muranen’s bronze in 2007 in Sapporo.

Yle’s commentary team was in utter disbelief. As one commentator exclaimed, “It’s not true – but it is true!” Yle’s Kimmo Porttila and expert Kalle Lassila lauded Vuorinen’s performance, remarking on the incredible pace he maintained despite a challenging recovery after the first round. Lassila recalled that Finnish sprint skiing had long been marred by a reputation for inconsistency, with medal hopes repeatedly dashed.

The drama of the race was evident from the start. Vuorinen, who had been last at the beginning of the round, recovered with the fastest possible return and clinched his place in the finals. His semifinal victory came when both Germany’s Jan Stölben and Switzerland’s Janik Riebli fell in the final curve, clearing the way for his advancement.

World Championship favorites were not idle, however. Norway’s super-star Johannes Hösflot Kläbo won the final heat, taking gold, while Italy’s Federico Pellegrino grabbed silver. Kläbo’s win was especially meaningful as he competed in his hometown of Trondheim.

In a related segment, Radio Suomi’s Henri Pitkänen also captured the excitement surrounding Vuorinen’s medal, further highlighting the emotional significance for Finnish fans. Meanwhile, veteran Ari Palolahti reminded listeners of Finland’s long wait for a sprint medal, a drought that had also affected other Finnish sprint stars such as Joni Mäki.

Additional excitement was provided by the dramatic semifinal finishes. Yle’s expert Kalle Lassila detailed how Vuorinen’s remarkable comeback in the early stage of the semifinals – overcoming initial setbacks and nearly missing the final cut – was filled with drama and tension. The final seconds were decided by millisecond differences, a heart-stopping finish that left coaches, athletes, and spectators in awe.

This historic moment not only ends years of waiting but also brings renewed hope for Finnish cross-country skiing as the team moves forward in the World Championships.

Live coverage and results from the World Championships can be followed on Yle’s channels.