The closing day of the Salpausselkä Games started with surprising news, when Janne Ahonen revealed the golden eagles’ plans on Urheilustudio’s broadcast.
Finnish ski jumping legends Janne Ahonen46, and Toni Nieminen, 48, return to the SM level. This time, however, with a new sport, when the men will be seen competing in the combined SM competitions a year from now.
Ahonen announced the duo’s future goal on Urheilu’s broadcast. Ahonen also works as an expert for Urheilu. He says that the idea came from Niemi, and the decision to compete was made on Saturday evening.
– Toni challenged me to join. It didn’t take long to think when the answer was yes. Now begins the year’s project for the combined SM championships, Ahonen said.
Nieminen will turn two years old next spring, and in honor of his 50th birthday, he plans to participate in the competition.
Ahonen ended his successful career in 2018, but returned to the competition suit two years ago. At that time, he won bronze from the 2022 World Championships.
Instead, Nieminen’s downhill career ended 20 years ago, but he was also seen again at the SM level in 2016. Nieminen’s ranking was 17th at that time, and his comeback lasted one year.
Editor of Urheilu Petra Manner confirmed on Urheilustudio’s broadcast that the mountain men are serious. At the same time, also a skiing expert Ville Nousiainen received an invitation to next year’s competition, when the double World Cup bronze medalist in cross-country skiing was asked about his willingness to join the project.
Nousiainen responded affirmatively to the proposal, but with certain conditions.
– I can go if I can jump from the K15 or K25 hill. I still dare to become one of them.