Inkki Inola Wins World Championship Bronze in Para Cross-Country Skiing – 'A Major Milestone in My Career'

Inkki Inola has achieved a major career milestone by winning bronze at the World Championships in para cross-country skiing held in Toblach, Italy. The medal came in the 10 km classical race, marking Inola’s first medal from a high-profile international event.

The race was won by USA’s Jake Adicoff, with Norway’s Thomas Oxaal taking silver. Inola finished 1 minute and 33 seconds behind Adicoff. Reflecting on the race, Inola explained, “The race was very heavy. We were at a high level and the track was extremely wet—it felt like a man’s winter. Our ski maintenance was excellent; I believe they were among the best in the competition.”

Competing in the visually impaired category, Inola’s guide, Arttu Kaario, played a crucial role by helping navigate the course’s easier sections, which allowed Inola to push ahead on the climbs. Inola expressed his joy at achieving the medal he had long pursued, saying, “I have been aiming for a World Championship medal for many years. It is wonderful to finally have it – it is a major milestone in my career.”

In addition to this success, Inola’s season has been very promising. At the early Paralympic test events in Val di Fiemme, he placed fifth in the sprint and fourth in the traditional 10 km race. More medal opportunities are expected soon in Trondheim, where competitions for both Paralympic and able-bodied skiers will be underway.

Looking ahead, Inola is one of Finland’s few medal prospects for the upcoming Winter Paralympics, which will be held in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo from March 6–15, 2026.