Minja Korhonen, 15, said that she received citizen feedback about her age – strict fire speech from Eero Hirvonen

The first World Cup mixed team competition in the combined history also contained dramatic moments, when the hill race had to be stopped for almost two hours due to a dangerous downhill slope.

However, Norway was able to celebrate an overwhelming victory. Finland was sixth.

Eero Hirvonen gave a pep talk in favor of the competition format already on the hill section.

– Let’s hope that this is here to stay. Let’s move women forward in the sport. These competitions are important for Olympic qualification, Hirvonen said.

The Olympic value of the United has been threatened in general due to demands for equality. However, the International Olympic Committee has not yet allowed women to compete at the next Winter Olympics in 2026.

Minja Korhonen, 15, said that he had heard comments about whether athletes his age belong in prestigious competitions. Korhonen stated that it is an honor to represent Finland.

– There have been all kinds of comments about whether we belong here at this age. However, I see that we have potential, Korhonen said.

The women’s combined team participated in the World Championships for the first time in 2021. The sport’s shorter history partly explains why relatively young athletes rise to the top.

Before the start of the winter season, Korhonen made a splash on the summer GP tour. He took two second places, one fourth place and one sixth place. In the World Cup, this season has become the best 16th place. 23rd place in the individual competition of the World Championships.

– Feels like an athlete. It’s wonderful that the spectators have come here to cheer us on. It’s been a great atmosphere here, Korhonen described his first World Cup in his career.

A knock-out from the deer for the conditions

Eero Hirvonen did not enjoy the skiing part at all.

– I don’t really like it when there is an uneven trigger. The track has been walked. I can’t ski comfortably then. Weather like this has never been my favorite job. It’s a bit like Bambi on slippery ice, Hirvonen said.

According to Hirvonen, the coaches and guardians of the cross-country double sprint teams had walked on the track, because the skiers competed on a different track than the combined athletes.

However, according to Hirvonen, the track was in good enough condition.

– But then your own skiing becomes stiff. Can’t ski casually hard, Hirvonen described.

The differences grew large

Ilkka Herola stated that the historic race day was at least memorable, referring to the ski jumping problems.

– It was NOT the easiest race for the organizers. It’s great to be a part of this. We had a long way to go. First of all, it is closed on the hill side. There is still work and years ahead. However, it is a nice form of competition. There will be many surprises, Herola stated.

Finland’s head coach Antti Kuisma also stated that the most memorable thing about the race was the historicity.

– Of course, the competition was not the most exciting. There were big differences, but yes, this is a good form of competition. As the level rises and the differences even out, there will be great competitions, Kuisma summed up.

The Women’s World Championships ended with the mixed team competition. The men will continue with competitions from Suurmäki next week. There will be a men’s team competition on Wednesday.