Paralympic winner Matti Suur-Hamari has had a lot in the last four years. In 2019, he lost his close friend and longtime coach. Last fall, Greater Hamar became a father.
Matti Suur-Hamari is the flag of Finland on his shoulders at an interview point. Born in Rovaniemi, 35-year-old Suur-Hamari has just won the second Paralympic gold medal of his career. The previous one came four years ago in Pyeongchang, South Korea.
– This means a lot to me. The last couple of years have been awkward for me, Great Hamari says and after that the words start to stagger and tears come to my eyes.
There has been a lot in the life of Greater Hamar over the last four years.
In November 2019, a large loss occurred in the daily life of a Finnish skier. Long-term coach and friend Mikko Wendelin died suddenly of an illness in Pyhätunturi, at the age of only 41.
– Mikko’s departure was a revolutionary moment in life, and it became a really big mental load for myself. However, the two of us had created my success – the World Championships, the X-Games victory and the Paralympic gold, Suur-Hamari reminded his coach Sports last November.
Great-Hamar cohabitant Ronja Rajala believes that Greater Hamari was able to turn Wendelin’s departure into a resource in the Beijing Paralympic competition. Great Hamar’s training buddies Ben Tudhope and Alex Massie also knew Wendelin well.
– I think that by competing and developing the sport, they respect Mikko’s memory. They show Mikko over there that this is how we will implement these of your lessons in the competition, Rajala says.
Life has not been just sad. Greater Hamari and Rajala had their first children last October.
– He slept first, but just woke up to watch the final. We turned him on to watch TV, though he certainly didn’t understand anything about it. The baby was with the rest of us in the spirit and saw when Dad wins, Rajala laughs.
Rajala followed the race at the couple’s home in Ruka. The parents of Greater Hamar were also in the competition stand Veijo and Sirpa Suur-Hamari.
– I didn’t dare watch the competition completely. It’s great that the race didn’t settle for anyone to fall, but genuinely and honestly the fastest skier won, Rajala says.
The Finn is not only a respected competitor in his sport community, but also a highly regarded person.
At the interview point at the Beijing Snowboard Stadium, the tears of Greater Hamar turn into a smile as Australia’s third-place finisher Ben Tudhope rushes to the back of his training buddy.
– This man is the best ever, no one beats him, Tudhope glows into the microphone.
According to spouse Ronja Rajala, the friendships that the sport brings with them are very important to Suur-Hamar.
– It is important for Mat that his opponents are in the attack, that a good race will be achieved. He likes to help his competitors and give them downhill tips, even though there is definitely something wrong with him in a competitive situation, Rajala says.
Today, Greater Hamari has yet to say whether his career will continue for another four years in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo – the time for that decision will come later. Now is the time to celebrate.
– I know we’ve been watching behind the scenes. It’s great that I’ve been able to do this. I love you, Matti Suur-Hamari sends home greetings at the end of the interview.
Greetings arrived.
– Mat’s greetings felt really moving here and we all cried during the interview, Rajala says.