The final decisions of the Skiing World Cup left much to be speculated about. Kerttu Niskanen could have received more than 10,000 euros in prize money without his rejection of Drammen.
BAY. Kerttu Niskanen bounce three times in the air. Lahti’s audience cheers. A Finnish skier has won the standard distance cup. He is the third Finn to achieve this feat.
Kertu’s brother Iivo Niskanen won the men’s normal distance cup. Virpi Kuitunen (now Sarasvuo) won the same award twice in his career.
Niskanen secured the victory in the normal distances when he was fifth in Lahti in the 20 kilometer traditional, and the worst threat Jessie Diggins came in 22nd place.
The American also had emotional moments at the finish line, as a long-time teammate Hailey Swirbul ended his career.
Diggins also received wonderful tributes from the Finnish audience when he arrived at the interview area. There were loud congratulatory shouts from the audience.
– To be honest, it was a difficult day for our maintenance team. It was difficult weather, Diggins explained his weaker performance.
However, American memory also thanks the maintenance team.
– It was difficult weather. They ski and test more than we do. They come here at six in the morning by bus. Sometimes it hits, sometimes it doesn’t. But not because we don’t do everything, Diggins stated.
However, Kerttu Niskanen finished third behind Diggins in the overall competition. After the season, there was still a lot to worry about, as the Finn was disqualified in the sprint race in Drammen. Niskanen was originally 13th, but he was dropped to 30th place in the final results.
If Niska had not been discus, the Finn would have been second in the overall competition. That would have meant 10,000 Swiss francs, or a good 10,000 euros more in prize money. Now Niskanen will receive 30,000 Swiss francs for third place.
Diggins was shocked when he heard from the Finnish media about disking and its effect.
– I did not know that. I’m not arguing against the jury though. “I’m really happy for all the girls,” Diggins said.
The loss in the distance cup to Niskanen didn’t exactly cheer the happy American. Diggins reminded the critics instead. The American’s actions were doubted when he continued to the end of the Tour de Ski at the turn of the year despite a weak start.
– I got second place. If I had listened to others to stop the Tour de Ski, I wouldn’t have been able to do it. I’m really proud. I’m glad I know my own body. I hope to inspire little girls. I’m really glad I chased my dreams and gave it my all, Diggins said emotionally.
Niskanen had not yet claimed points in front of the media, but he had heard about the harsh consequences of Drammen’s rejection. Niska was not immediately abandoned in Drammen, but only came after Italy’s protest. Niskanen had wedged Italy Nicole Monsornon in front of.
The discus didn’t matter much to Monsorno because he was eliminated with Niskanen’s wedge.
– This is such a shame that the Italians wanted to make a protest and they did not benefit from it in any way. But that was my own fault. I got punished for it. I won’t swallow it. I’m not sad, Niskanen stated.
The rules of the FIS, the International Skiing Federation, do not say anything about getting prize money from the normal distance cup. Kerttu Niskanen was also of the opinion that the prize money does not come from the win.
– Sprintcup is paid for. It is certainly unfair from my point of view, Niskanen stated.