Full Breakdown
Finnish Ski Jumping Coach Dismissed Over Alcohol Incident
2/12/2026, 9:45:36 PM
Incident Overview
Igor Medved, the head coach of Finland's ski jumping team, has been sent home from the Winter Olympics due to an alcohol-related incident that violated team conduct rules. The Finnish Olympic Committee confirmed his dismissal, emphasizing the seriousness of the violation and the swift action taken in response. Janne Hänninen, head of elite sports at the Finnish Olympic Committee, stated, “This is about alcohol-related issues. We take rule violations very seriously and will act quickly in the matter.”
Official Responses
Following his removal, Medved issued an apology, expressing regret for his actions. He stated, “I made a mistake and I am very sorry. I want to apologize to the entire Finnish team, the athletes and also the fans.” Hänninen reiterated the importance of maintaining a focused environment for the athletes, indicating that the priority was to ensure peace of mind for both the athletes and coaching staff.
Marleena Valtasola, executive director of the Finnish Ski Federation, noted that Medved's future with the team would be evaluated after the Olympics. She remarked, “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.”
Background on Medved's Tenure
Igor Medved, who took charge of the Finnish ski jumping team in June 2024, had previously guided the team to a sixth-place finish in the mixed team event prior to his dismissal. His contract remains intact, and the Finnish Ski Association has indicated that a formal review of the incident will occur once the Olympic Games conclude.
Impact on the Team
In the wake of Medved's departure, Lasse Moilanen has been appointed to lead the team for the remainder of the Olympics. The Finnish team is set to compete in the men's individual Large Hill event on Saturday, and officials are focused on ensuring that the athletes can concentrate on their performances without distraction.
Criticism and Opposition
While the Finnish Olympic Committee has not disclosed specific details regarding the incident, media reports have referred to it as a "drunkenness scandal." This characterization has raised questions about the internal culture and conduct standards within the Finnish ski jumping team. Critics may argue that such incidents could undermine the team's morale and performance during the prestigious event.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Medved has traveled home today. It is about issues related to alcohol consumption. We take the violation of the team’s rules seriously and react quickly,” — Janne Hänninen, Head of Elite Sports, Finnish Olympic Committee
- “I made a mistake and I’m very sorry. I want to apologize to the entire Finnish team, the athletes and also the fans. I wish the team peace to focus on the Games and continue the good work. I will not comment further on the matter,” — Igor Medved, Head Coach, Finnish Ski Jumping Team
- “We have a solid staff in place and we are confident we can handle the situation in the best possible way,” — Marleena Valtasola, Executive Director, Finnish Ski Federation
This incident highlights the challenges faced by sports teams in maintaining discipline and focus during high-stakes competitions like the Winter Olympics.
