The passing of Siiri “Äitee” Rantanen touched Krista Pärmäkoske, a multiple prize medalist.
Anu Karttunen,
Laura Arffman
Although a multiple prize medalist Krista Pärmäkoski and Siiri “Aitee” Rantanen were different generations, Pärmäkoski has warm memories and encounters with the pioneer of Finnish women’s sports.
– My biggest memory of Siiri is the years when I lived in Lahti and ran into Siiri still on the track. I remembered the smiling face and the lack of haste, Pärmäkoski told Urheilu.
– At that time, over 90 years old, he still skied with a smile on his face. For me, this describes the joy of skiing and such original enthusiasm for our beloved sport.
Pärmäkoski recognizes well what Rantanen’s importance was to Finnish women’s skiing.
– From the point of view of Finnish women’s skiing, Siiri’s role cannot be emphasized. Her importance to the position in which Finnish skiing and women’s position in skiing is, has arisen thanks to pioneers like Siiri, Pärmäkoski stated.
– Today, the word legend is used too often, but in the case of Siiri if who, it is true.
The documentary about Siiri Rantase, Äitee – Sisulla to win, will be shown on TV2 next week, Saturday 13 May at 17:15 after the Superpesis match.