Finnish Olympic Committee expels ski jumping coach Igor Medved
The Finnish Olympic Committee has expelled ski jumping head coach Igor Medved from the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics following a breach of team alcohol regulations, reports BritPanorama.
Officials acted decisively after the incident, which occurred outside working hours but contravened established standards of conduct. Janne Hanninen, the committee’s head of elite sports, confirmed the departure, stating, “Medved has travelled home today. This is about alcohol-related issues.”
Hanninen added, “We take rule violations very seriously and will act quickly in the matter.” Ensuring the well-being of athletes and coaching staff remains the committee’s priority following the dismissal.
Medved, a 44-year-old Slovenian, offered a contrite explanation for his conduct in a voice message to Finnish broadcaster Yle Sport. “I am not proud of myself,” he admitted. “I apologise to the athletes, coaches, support staff, the Olympic Committee, the Ski Association, and the fans.”
Detailing the circumstances, he stated, “After the competition, I was invited to Slovenia’s gold medal celebration. I hadn’t eaten anything, and after that, the alcohol did its job.” He expressed regret, saying, “I made a mistake and am very sorry. I wish the team peace and quiet to focus on the Olympics.”
Medved, who enjoyed a professional ski jumping career between 2001 and 2006, had previously guided Slovenia’s B national team before taking over as Finland’s head coach in June 2024. The nation’s mixed team claimed gold in ski jumping on Tuesday, with siblings Domen and Nika Prevc making Olympic history as the first brother and sister to secure a ski jumping medal at the same Games.
Marleena Valtasola, executive director of the Finnish Ski Federation, confirmed that discussions regarding Medved’s future would occur after the Games. “An unpleasant situation has arisen: alcohol was consumed in violation of team rules. We have decided that Medved will not participate in the Olympics,” she stated. “Now it is essential to safeguard the athletes’ concentration and restore serenity to the team and for Igor.”
To ensure continuity, Lasse Moilanen will accompany the men’s squad for the remaining large hill individual and team events, supported by women’s coach Ossi-Pekka Valta and sports director Petter Kukkonen. The men’s large hill individual competition is scheduled for tomorrow.
