Giant slalom runner Samu Torsti, 31, is ending his career. Torsti told about it on Wednesday.
– Of course, the decision is the end result of a longer period of time. Now it’s actually the first spring, when the feeling has come that everything has been given and everything has been done. I could no longer find the motivation to continue, Torsti tells Urheilu.
He made a decision on the matter a couple of weeks ago.
– It was sealed when I heard that there was no national team place available. Even if it was, I don’t know. I would have thought the outcome would still have been the same, but that seals it.
Ski Sport Finland published the national teams for next season on Wednesday. The men’s A national team is only included Elian Lehtoto the women’s team Rosa Pohjolainen and Erika Pykäläinen.
The tank is empty
Torsti stated in the press release that he has always aimed for the top of the world and he did not see that it was possible anymore with his own resources and the resources of the environment.
– Just like this. This year we went with a really small group in the national team. A decision was also made there that we will not invest in the activities of our people at all, but invest in young people, Torsti tells Urheilu.
– Sure, you could compete without a national team, but that requires a very big investment from your own pocket. That’s one reason, but I want to emphasize inner fire and motivation. The tank is empty.
31-year-old Torsti was in the national team for 13 seasons. The best World Cup finish of his career is from Adelboden, Switzerland, where he was tenth in 2017.
At the 2021 World Championships in Italy, he was 12th in the pairs race and 15th in the giant slalom. In the overall World Cup, Torsti was 26th at his best.
Role in alpine skiing open
According to Torsti, the best memories are the results and the Olympic representations and, for example, the moments when, when crossing the finish line, the beautiful color green marked the first place.
– They have been damn sweet experiences. Adelboden’s race in 2017 was great. I was flagged out in the first round, but then there was a re-count. It’s my favorite race anyway.
– Successes in competitions and that rush of adrenaline. I would think that I will miss them somewhere.
Torsti says that he has received job offers from Finland and abroad, but believes that he will find a job in alpine skiing.
– At least we can’t rest on our laurels here. I think we’ll see you at the sport. I have already received several job offers, and I believe that I will continue to work in alpine skiing. The role is open.
Palander still saw potential
Sports expert Kalle Palander according to Torsti’s termination was expected, as the issue has been talked about for many years. Palander says that he himself has received inquiries from people who follow alpine skiing, whether Torsti should not stop already.
– I have always said to let the athlete make the decisions. Yes, they know when to stop.
However, Palander is saddened by the termination news, because he still saw Torsti’s potential as an alpine skier.
– People said what he was trying to do, but I still saw its potential. He could have had seams for the 15.
– On the other hand, when he knows the reality that he can’t fight for the top three positions, he’ll probably think what the hell I’m doing here, Palander reflects.
Palander describes Torsti as a really tough athlete. He himself got to coach an alpine skier in 2015, when he was with the team for a while.
– He is analytical, such a high-flyer and an absolutely insane person. I also have to say that his career was absolutely amazing. There are quite a few alpine skiers who can make it to the top ten.