Matti Nykänen asked Janne Ahosen for sewing help – when they met, both were as humble as little boys | Sport

Urheilu expert Janne Ahonen recalled his meeting with his idol Matti Nykänen at Urheilustudio. The public’s help is also wanted for Nykänen’s documentary film.

Matti from Nykäne there are thousands and thousands of stories. In addition to television and magazine stories, he has also been the subject of films, books and documentaries. But there are still many stories to be told. That’s why is making a new documentary about the great legend of ski jumping.

– There is a lot that hasn’t been told or at least not very thoroughly explored. Everyone knows Mat’s achievements, the moments of success and even the bottom of the wave, but for example how that young boy became the best in the world and how he approached ski jumping and what a passion it was for him is quite unique, Urheilu’s expert Janne Ahonen stated on Saturday in the Sports Studio.

– I have heard stories about it, but I would like to hear more.

Ahonen has remembered many moments from Matti Nykä, but one of them happened so that Ahonen was not even conscious.

It was the beginning of the 90s and Matti Nykänen tried to get back to the top one more time. He was training at his home hill in Laajavuori, Jyväskylä. 14-year-old Ahonen was training at the same time in the same place, but fell badly on the hill.

– At that time, people still didn’t have cell phones, but Matti was the one who called the ambulance after I fell. So Mati found a cell phone, or a spittoon, Ahonen laughed.

Nykänen was not the only Finnish sports legend that Ahonen was in contact with that day. When he regained consciousness in the ambulance, he met the late boxer who had worked as a paramedic Tarmo Uusivirtan.

Ahonen also recalled another meeting with Nykänen at Urheilustudio. At that time, Nykänen was already a veteran and was very enthusiastic about the veterans’ competition. A decent jumpsuit was just missing.

– Matti contacted me and asked if I could make him a suit. I promised that without anything else, I would just come here and take some measurements, Ahonen said.

The meeting between the two was even a little amusing, because it was two Finnish ski jumping heroes and Nykänen was Ahonen’s great idol.

– Matti came really humble and was like a little boy, hat in hand style. I was also humble in front of Mati, my idol, Ahonen laughed.

– It was a fun meeting. After that, Mati and I were in more contact.

Do you have photos, home videos or, for example, movies featuring Matti Nykänen? We are looking for Matti Nykänen-themed material found in the caches of Finnish home photographers.

The material must be visual: a photo, video, film or self-made painting, drawing or cartoon! We are not looking for text or speech memories this time.