Finland's ski jumping head coach, Igor Medved, has been sent home from the Winter Olympics after violating team rules by consuming alcohol. The Finnish Olympic Committee confirmed that Medved left Italy due to 'alcohol-related issues'.
Janne Hänninen, head of elite sports at the Finnish Olympic Committee, stated: 'Medved has travelled home today. This is about alcohol-related issues. We take rule violations very seriously and will act quickly in the matter.' He declined to provide further details about the incident, which Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet described as a 'drunkenness scandal'.
Marleena Valtasola, executive director of the Finnish Ski Federation, said: 'An unpleasant situation has arisen: alcohol was consumed in violation of team rules. We have decided that Medved will not participate in the Olympics. The other issues will be discussed with him after the Games.' She added that the priority is to ensure athletes' concentration and restore serenity to the team.
Medved, who took charge of the Finnish team in June 2024, apologised for his behaviour, which occurred outside working hours but broke agreed standards. 'I made a mistake and am very sorry,' he said. 'I want to apologise to the entire Finnish team, the athletes and also the fans. I wish the team peace and quiet to focus on the Olympics.'
