Hill jumper Eva Pinkelnig received her familiar Finnish chocolate as a prize. Jenny Rautionaho has made a big impression on him
LAHTI. of Austria Eva Pinkelnig was one of the most famous congratulators when Jenny Rautionaho finished second in Sapporo in January. It was the Finn’s first podium finish in the World Cup.
Rautionaho was already close to his first top 3 ranking in Villach, Austria a little earlier. Experienced Pinkelnig was the one who inspired the belief that the Finn’s long-term dream will come true before long.
In Sapporo, Pinkelnig celebrated the victory before Rautionaho. The Austrian was ecstatic that he was able to be on the podium at the same time.
The 35-year-old Pinkelnig is a multiple World Cup event winner. Last year, he achieved personal silver at the World Championships in Planica.
– He had the potential to be on the podium already before, for example in Villach. He was really good in training and qualifying. It was only a matter of time. It was nice to share the podium with him. When I saw that he was on the podium with me, I was like, good luck and I said it would happen!
What will you achieve in the future?
This season has been a breakthrough for the 27-year-old Rautionaho as a whole to the international top. He has cemented his position in the top ten.
On Friday, in the morning race in Salppur, Rautionaho finished fifth in front of his home crowd.
– His development has been wonderful to watch. Jenny has suffered a lot from injuries, but has cleared her way to the top. I look forward to seeing what he can do in the next few seasons.
According to Rautionaho, Pinkelnig is one of the most encouraging athletes on the hill tour. Pinkelnig also has only good things to say about his colleague as a person.
– He is really nice. It’s always easy to talk to him. Jenny is a hard worker, Pinkelnig praises.
Finnish chocolate
Pinkelnig was the third Slovenian in the Salppur race Nika Kriznarin as well as its earthlings by Jacqueline Seifriedsberger after.
The women competed in Salppur once. On the other hand, the men’s program includes two individual races and a team hill.
– This was a well-organized event. It’s a shame we only have one race. Hopefully there will be two races next time, says Pinkelnig.
Pinkelnig has a great time in Finland. He has Austrian friends living in Finland.
Pinkelnig talked with them after the race.
– They were watching the race. We’re going to go eat something good. It’s nice to visit here when it’s winter and it’s not shockingly hot, Pinkelnig laughs.
The top three of the competition received Finnish chocolate as a prize. Pinkelnig is already very familiar with the product in question. He is more used to Swiss chocolate.
– I like Swiss chocolate better. However, this is also good.
Horn sounds up to the tower
The women’s hill race was originally supposed to be on Friday night. However, the international skiing federation FIS wanted to move the men’s race, which was previously canceled in Poland, to that time.
Thus, the women were content with a clearly earlier time. Only very few people were watching the race on a weekday.
Rayon skin and Julia Kykkänen have been the booster shots of Finnish ski jumping this season.
– Yes, it took a moment. However, we have jumped well with Julia. We would have liked more people here. However, we jump when we are told to.
However, Rautionaho’s family members and friends were there. The atmosphere was also tinged by the sounds of horns.
– A couple of roars from the tower could be heard up above. In some races, you can hear well when there is a crowd. You could hear it very well even now, Rautionaho says.
Rautionaho’s autographs are a sought-after item these days.
– There are quite a lot of Nimmari cards.