Coach Excluded from Finnish Ski Jump Team at Olympics

The Finnish ski jump team is facing a significant challenge as they head into the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics without their head coach, Igor Medved. The Finnish Olympic Committee announced that Medved’s exclusion stems from issues related to alcohol, which they described in a statement.

The committee emphasized that Medved’s behavior was against the team’s conduct policy, leading to their swift decision. It hasn’t been disclosed what exactly happened, but the emphasis on maintaining team integrity seems paramount.

Janne Hänninen, the team principal, remarked that Medved returned to Finland the same day of the announcement. He characterized the situation as serious, highlighting the need for strict adherence to team rules. Medved himself acknowledged his mistake, expressing remorse and apologizing to the players and fans.

Malena Valtasola, secretary general of the Finnish Ski Federation, indicated that they would reassess Medved’s role for future Olympic events after the games conclude. She described the scenario as unfortunate, mentioning that alcohol consumption violated established rules. The immediate priority is to support the athletes and create a focused environment for competition.

Medved’s tenure as head coach began in June 2024, and now, with this unexpected turn of events, the team will have to rally without his leadership. Despite the upheaval, Valtasola reassured that the remaining coaching staff are capable and ready to step up during the competition ahead.