Jasmi Joensuu earns rare podium finish for Finland in Tour de Ski

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Yle has broadcasting rights only for the Val di Fiemme races. Yle does not have broadcasting rights for the races in Toblach, which are broadcasted by Viaplay, but you can watch highlights on the Yle app and Yle’s website after the races. All essential information about the Tour de Ski can be found here!

Jasmi Joensuu placed second in the first event of the Tour de Ski opening in Toblach, excelling in the free technique sprint.

The last Finnish woman to reach the podium in a free technique sprint in the World Cup was Aino-Kaisa Saarinen back in December 2009 in Davos. Overall, the last time a Finnish athlete made it to the podium in a World Cup free technique sprint was in December 2013, when Martti Jylhä achieved a top-three finish.

Joensuu was competing for the win but was overtaken at the finish line by American Jessie Diggins.

The podium finish holds great significance ahead of the World Championships in February-March, as she aims to compete for medals.

"During the last two weeks, I’ve hit rock bottom, but now I’m riding high in skiing terms. It has been a really heavy two weeks," Joensuu shared with Yle after the competition.

Joensuu took to social media to discuss the recent end of her relationship, which contributed to her emotional struggles leading to this competition. She expressed the difficulty of controlling her thoughts and shared her journey of channeling her emotions into her performance.

Coaching staff member Ville Oksanen noted that the day marked a significant achievement for Joensuu given the turmoil she has faced in her personal life.

"She has endured significant upheaval in her life. Yet she managed to deliver an excellent result. This was really important for her. Jasmi has shown her potential many times, and now she succeeded. The feeling from the first podium is different even for a coach," Oksanen evaluated.

Joensuu remains cautious about her overall potential in the Tour:

"I’m taking it day by day. Looking to see how far I can go without putting pressure on myself for the total standings – just focusing on one race at a time," she stated.

Additionally, other Finnish athletes had a strong showing in the preliminary heats, with five reaching the semifinals, including Joensuu, Jasmin Kähärä, Kerttu Niskanen, Niilo Moilanen, and Lauri Vuorinen.

Kerttu Niskanen, managing to place ninth, which is significant as it provides crucial bonus seconds for the overall Tour standings, even though the American winner Diggins is currently leading the charge.

"I’m very satisfied with my skiing and the good start to the Tour. There is nothing more to say. The equipment was great for the Finnish team; my skis were super fast, it was a joy to ski! Much sharper skiing than in Lillehammer," Niskanen reflected on her performance.

Niskanen is confident but recognizes the difference between this race and Davos' earlier events.