Igor Medved, Finland’s ski jumping coach for the 2026 Winter Olympics, was sent home Thursday due to an alleged alcohol-related issue.
Medved’s behavior was described by Finland’s Olympic committee as a violation of team conduct.
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“Medved traveled home today,” said Janne Hanninen, head of the Finnish team. “The matter concerns issues related to alcohol use. We take violations of the team’s rules very seriously and reacted to the situation quickly.”
Following his dismissal from the Olympic team, Medved issued an apology.
“I made a mistake and I am very sorry,” Medved said in a statement. “I want to apologize to the entire Finnish team, the athletes and also the fans.”
No further details were given by Finland’s Olympic committee regarding their now former ski jumping coach’s early departure.
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Executive director of the Finnish Ski Federation Marleena Valtasola said Medved’s future with the program would be decided following the Winter Games.
“An unpleasant situation has arisen: alcohol was consumed in violation of team rules,” Valtasola said. “We have decided that Medved will not participate in the Olympics. The other issues will be discussed with him after the Games. Now it is essential to safeguard the athletes’ concentration and restore serenity to the team and for Igor.”
Medved took over as coach of the Finland ski jumping team in June 2024. Finland has not won any medals in ski jumping and has just one bronze medal in these Games as of Thursday.
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