The untiring efforts of Finland’s winter Olympics contingent resulted in a respectable haul of five medals: one gold, three silver and one bronze.
When Iivo Niskanen and Sami Jauhojärvi won the men's sprint in Sochi, it ended a 12-year gold medal drought for Finland. At just 22-years of age, Niskanen will have plenty of time to repeat his achievement in future competitions. He also won a world junior championship this year, indicating a bright future ahead.
His sister Kerttu was not to be outdone in Sochi: she took two silver medals including one in the team sprint, in which she was partnered by Aino-Kaisa Saarinen.
Slopestyle snowboarding also has a new star: silver medalist Enni Rukajärvi, a 23-year-old from Kuusamo. Her performance ensured that the sport, which made its Olympic debut in Sochi, will remain in Finnish hearts and minds for years to come.
Ice hockey is one sport that doesn't need a helping hand in the popularity stakes, but the Lions' five-nil win over the USA gave a fitting send off to Finland's retiring heroes. Teemu Selänne scored two goals in his final match for the national team, and was then awarded the tournament MVP prize for his performances over the last two weeks.
Fulsome praise for Finnish athletes
Finnish Olympic Committee representative Mika Kojonkoski was profuse in his praise of the Finnish Olympic athletes and their accomplishments.
“We have spent an amazing three weeks on the Black Sea, on slopes in the Caucasus and in the inspiring company of top athletes. We were able to see amazing performances by Finnish athletes, their battles, victories, losses and disappointments,” Kojonkoski said, summing up the games.
“Through television and other media Finnish youth have seen outstanding exemplars and we have been able to inspire young people to take up sport. We have also seen a growing awareness that with commitment and hard work we can go far in sport and in life,” he concluded.