Minja Korhonen, 16, who finished third in the combined, did not know how to expect a place on the podium yet this season.
Joel Sippola,
Sakari Lund
Finland Minja Korhonen, 16, made Finnish combined history in Ramsau on Friday by reaching the podium for the first time in the Women’s World Cup. He was third in the race and improved his previous best ranking by two places.
Norway took a double victory with athletes Gyda Westvold Hansen and Ida Marie Hagen. Born in 2007, Korhonen was clearly the youngest member of the top three. Norwegians were born in 2002 and 2000.
Finland’s newest winter sports star was surprised by his top ranking.
– It’s a really happy feeling. I didn’t expect a podium finish from this season or this race. I’m really surprised, a happy Korhonen commented to Urheilu.
Friday’s hill section could not be run due to weather conditions. Because of this, the reserve race on the hill, which was contested on Thursday, was introduced, where Korhonen was third.
Korhonen describes his performance in the reserve competition as a basic jump.
Third place came with a clear margin, because Germany Nathalie Armbuster lost to the Finn by a margin of 20 seconds. The track in Ramsau is tough.
– The weather didn’t make it any easier. It was really cool. The pebbles looked good with enough skis. At first I started at a really relaxed pace, so on the second lap I was able to hit a long climb. At the end, I was able to pull off my own relaxed performance, Korhonen’s time.
Fourth in the overall race
Korhonen has been third, fifth and sixth in the three World Cup races this season. He is fourth in the overall race. Above are only Norwegians.
– Surely a good base workout helps. Terttu Lapland became a personal trainer. He is also a big factor, says Korhonen about the background of the good mood.
The women will compete in Ramsau next time already tomorrow.
– You have to be satisfied with the slightly lower places. A lot depends on the day, says Korhonen.
1. Gyda Westvold Hansen NOR 14.41,2
2. Ida Marie Hagen NOR + 42.0
3. Minja Korhonen FIN +1.41.2
4. Nathalie Armbruster GER +2.00,8
5. Lisa Hirner AUT +2.06,1
6. Haruka Kasai JPN +2.06,7
7. Mari Leinan’s Lund NOR +2.07,3
8. Jenny Nowak GER +2.17,6
9. Marte Leinan Lund NOR +2.20,2
10. Annika Malacinski USA +2.24,1
26. Heta Hirvonen FIN +7.32.9