Jasmi Joensuu Can Make Exceptional Skiing History - Surprised Coach Talks About Significant Changes

Jasmi Joensuu can make Finnish skiing history this season. As she leads the sprint cup in the cross-country World Cup, the season has crossed its halfway point.

The last time something similar occurred was over 15 years ago, back in the early 2000s. Pirjo Muranen was third in the sprint cup during the 2008-2009 season, while Virpi Kuitunen (now Sarasvuo) won the sprint cup in the 2006-2007 season and was second in 2007-2008.

Joensuu's personal coach, Kalmer Tramm, believes she is realistically contending for the sprint cup against Sweden's Jonna Sundling.

The reigning Olympic champion and world champion Sundling has opted out of the Tour de Ski, missing two World Cup sprint events this season.

"It’s clear that Sundling is a step ahead. If she intends to seriously compete in the remaining five sprints, it will be tough for Jasmi. However, even if Jasmi comes second, that should be seen as a great achievement," Tramm explains.

The sprint cup is significant for both Joensuu and her coach. It reflects how they can manage a grueling four and a half month competition season and maintain fitness.

Notable Changes

So, how is Joensuu's historic achievement possible?

First, let's look at the results. She has reached the finals in four out of six World Cup sprints this season. The 28-year-old athlete from Vantaan Hiihtoseura also secured her first podium finish in the World Cup in Toblach.

"This has felt wonderful. It's somewhat surprising. However, this is likely the moment where many aspects have fallen into place. Years of training and competing at a World Cup level have started to yield results," Tramm elaborates.

According to the coach, Joensuu hasn't made any drastic changes this season, but he mentions a couple of significant adjustments with illuminating examples.

According to calorie intake measurements, Joensuu has exerted twenty percent more energy in some months compared to previous years.

"Generally, this reflects how much tougher the overall process has been. This could signify the kinds of terrains she's trained on, the volume of training she's undergone, and the power she's been utilizing," Tramm describes.

Despite the intense training, the athlete from Kuortane has remained healthy, which is also very important.

Talking about terrains, Joensuu trained in a new location this summer. She trained in the Pyrenees mountains in Font-Romeu near the Spanish border in southern France.

"The elevation gains have increased. The strength has improved as a result," Tramm assesses.

One visible change for this season was the addition of a mental performance coach, Alice Vidjeskog.

"I think she has had a very positive effect. She has brought Jasmi more courage and confidence. There’s no longer the same fear when confronted by Kristine Skistad and Jonna Sundling. There’s confidence that it is possible to compete with them," Tramm explains.

The coach also praises the overall 12-person support behind Joensuu. People from the Lapland Sports Academy have been present at key training sessions for the athlete, based in Rovaniemi.

Possible Championship Medal?

Before the summer, however, the primary goal of this season is the World Championships in Norway at the end of February to early March. After Joensuu's first podium finish in the World Cup, she stated that this gives her confidence in battling for a World Championship medal.

According to her coach, the World Championship sprint will be a tight competition, but the sprint course in Trondheim suits Joensuu well. The question now is how well she can manage the final turn and the finish straight. They aim to work on that as much as possible in the last weeks leading up to the World Championships.

Joensuu was already close to a podium finish before Christmas in Davos, but the last turn and finish straight proved detrimental.

"We’ve talked about how the Swedish women’s weakness might be their intense internal competition. Their health may not hold up, or falls might occur. Skistad is an extremely tough and brave young athlete, but there are tactical opportunities for Jasmi against her," Tramm evaluates.

The last free technique sprint in the World Cup before the World Championships will be streamed live on Yle. Watch the sprint qualifiers on TV2 and Yle Arena starting at 11:40 and the heats from 14:10. You can find all Urheilustudio weekend details here!