Niilo Moilanen was one of the disappointed Finns in the World Cup sprint in Planica. Johan Häggström considered the action that led to the duo’s crash to be unnecessary.
Roope Visuri,
Laura Arffman,
Anu Karttunen
Planica World Cup skiing on channels 22.2.–5.3.2023. See the program and broadcast information of the World Ski Championships in this link.
There was plenty of drama in Planica’s World Cup ski sprint. One party was the Finnish sprint super promise Niilo Moilanen.
21-year-old Moilanen was ninth in the sprint qualifying, but crashed in Sweden by Johan Häggström with in the first round.
– Moilanen and I went almost hand in hand. We shouldn’t have messed with each other. He tried to ski off my skis. We both suffered a lot from it. It hurt because we were in good positions. It was really a shame when you were in good shape, Häggström complained According to Aftonbladet. (you switch to another service)
What did Häggström say to Moilasen?
– I said that this was his fault and that was unnecessary. Feeling really rude now. I would have liked to compete again, Häggström said.
Moilanen swallowed his disappointment in ‘s TV interview after his skiing.
– The superficial feeling is a huge disappointment. So much had been uploaded until today. Then it ends miserably like this. However, my feeling was good. Then you won’t be able to show your best result. It feels incredibly bad, Moilanen said.
According to Moilanen, he and Häggström crossed paths in the situation.
– I knew it was a critical place. Too bad it ended this way. We still have to rewind the situation afterwards, Moilanen said.
The 2021 sprint youth world champion saw that the race nevertheless became something to learn for the future.
– Sometimes you have to fail really well to know how it feels. Now it was my turn. It doesn’t feel like a wedding, Moilanen described.
Urheilu’s experts Kalle Lassila it was announced earlier this week that Moilas will become the first Finnish male sprinter with prestigious race medals. Lassila believes that it will happen in the 2027 World Cup.
– Fortunately, there are still a few years to build the foundation, but of course it is a goal and a bit like a dream. Hopefully Kalle’s expectations will be met, Moilanen stated.