Matti Heikkinen Addresses Financial Concerns in Finnish Ski Sports

Matti Heikkinen, the head of the elite sports division at the Finnish Olympic Committee, is optimistic about resolving the financial challenges facing the Ski Association, describing the situation as a "solvable equation." Currently, the association is unable to assure training opportunities led by national teams for ski jumping and Nordic combined athletes, nor can it finalize contracts for the coaches of the cross-country skiing team.

Heikkinen underscores the Olympic Committee's duty to support its medal contenders, emphasizing that winter sports hold significant importance for Finland. He reiterated that cross-country skiing is the nation's leading discipline, which places a considerable operational responsibility on the committee.

Efforts are underway to ensure that top athletes are adequately prepared for upcoming major events, including the World Championships in Trondheim next year, and the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina in 2026.

Despite the current hurdles, Heikkinen reassures that the athletes will not be overlooked. He pointed out the necessity of maximizing resources while navigating through economic challenges that are impacting various sectors across Finland. The committee hopes for thoughtful decision-making concerning public funding for sports.

Ski jumping and Nordic combined have particularly felt the strain of these economic pressures, struggling more than cross-country skiing in recent years. Heikkinen emphasizes that success in elite sports will dictate the benefits available, calling for a collective sense of responsibility among all stakeholders. He also highlights the need for proactive engagement, steering clear of blame-game tactics.