“You can’t play with fire in things like that” – now he finally gets off the hook in Espoo

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One of the top athletes in Finnish figure skating Emmi Peltonen the last few years have been very tumultuous. Now there is light at the end of the tunnel, when 23-year-old Peltonen returned to racing in September after almost a year’s break.

Peltonen’s short program and free program were a real rollercoaster in the ISU Challenger series competition held in Montreal. However, high-quality skating and strong recovery as well as elegant pirouettes were enough for seventh place.

– It was a bit of a wake-up call, but on the other hand, it was necessary to get such a (comeback) out of the way, Peltonen commented on his comeback race.

Now there is the Finlandia Trophy competition in Espoo, which belongs to the same Challenger series. The Challenger series is the next hardest level in figure skating’s rating scale, right after the Grand Prix series.

The 2022 Beijing Olympics were sidelined due to a lingering ankle injury. The ankle rehabilitation was a difficult time, but Peltonen wants to look ahead already.

– I try to think that the past is the past and I don’t really think about it anymore. The ankle is now in good shape, Peltonen described.

The long rehabilitation of the ankle required patience.

– You can’t rush or play with fire in such matters. You have to let the process go to the end, so that you can come back really healthy, Peltonen emphasized.

Peltonen told Urheilu about his prolonged ankle injury and surgery a year ago.

Peltonen told how the orthopedic specialist Marko Mykkänen the judgment had been harsh: “Your leg is as if blown away by the wind, there is nothing there”.

– The ankle was rebuilt. A tendon was taken from the calf, which is not needed. It was moved to the inside of the leg, below the ankle. A point that no longer existed was made new, Peltonen recounted the measure made in January 2022.

Read more: The doctor pronounced a harsh sentence on figure skater Emmi Peltone – “The ankle was rebuilt”

“Easier programs for the beginning of the season”

Since there have been enough setbacks, Peltonen is building his comeback in stages.

– I’m starting the season with slightly easier programs. When competitions start to come, I start making my programs more difficult, Peltonen said.

Peltonen described his Espoo competition programs.

– My short program is done really wonderfully and supports my strengths as a skater. There will be tango in the free program, that’s my other side. I’m looking forward to showing them, Peltonen said.

Returning in front of the home crowd in Espoo warms Peltonen’s heart a lot.

– It feels absolutely wonderful to be here again in front of the home crowd. I was just wondering how long it has been since I participated in the Finlandia Trophy. Something has always happened, Peltonen thought.

– It was really important for me that I got a place here and now I’m building through one competition at a time.

With what goals for the Finlandia Trophy?

– I want an intact whole and to enjoy this competition. I hope it will be good. Every race is important, I want to get the most out of this.

Peltos praises young Janna Jyrkinen

16-year-old Janna Jyrkinen succeeded brilliantly at last winter’s European Championships in Espoo. Jyrkinen finished seventh in the home competition.

– It’s wonderful that we have such a big bag here. Really great work from Janna, as we have two places for the European Championships. It’s really nice to be here with all the other Finns, Peltonen beamed.

Coaching manager Fairy tale Niittynen can see that Peltosen still has a long way to go to reach his best level.

– I think that Emmi will go for a high-quality performance. It is not necessarily technically the most difficult end, but he is able to shine with his fine skills. Looking for more quality than difficulty.

The Finlandia Trophy women’s competition features four Finns: Peltonen, Jyrkinen, Nella Pelkonen and Oona Ounasvuori. The women’s short program will be skated on Friday evening. Areena’s broadcast starts at 18:40.