Finnish Ski Jumping Coach Dismissed from Winter Olympics Over Alcohol Violation
In a significant development at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, the Finnish Olympic Committee has taken decisive action by sending home ski jumping coach Igor Medved. The dismissal follows an incident involving alcohol consumption that violated strict team regulations, despite occurring during off-hours.
Official Response and Immediate Consequences
The Finnish Olympic Committee announced on Thursday that Medved, 44, has officially left Italy and will no longer participate in the Games. Janne Hanninen, head of elite sports for the FOC, emphasized that rule violations are treated with utmost seriousness, prompting swift action to maintain team integrity.
"The priority is to ensure peace of mind for the athletes and the coaching staff," Hanninen stated, highlighting the committee's commitment to upholding standards even in challenging circumstances.
Coach's Background and Apology
Igor Medved, a former competitive ski jumper who represented Slovenia from 2001 to 2003, has been coaching for 16 years and was appointed head coach of Finland's team in June 2024. Following the incident, Medved issued a public apology, expressing remorse for his actions.
"I made a mistake and am very sorry," Medved said. "I want to apologize to the entire Finnish team, the athletes, and also the fans. I wish the team peace and quiet to focus on the Olympics."
Future Implications and Team Stability
Despite the dismissal, Medved will remain under contract with the Finnish Ski Federation, with further discussions about his future scheduled after the Games. Marleena Valtasola, executive director of the federation, explained this decision aims to protect athletes' concentration during competition.
"An unpleasant situation has arisen: Alcohol was consumed in violation of team rules," Valtasola noted. "We have decided that Medved will not participate in the Olympics. The other issues will be discussed with him after the Games. Now it is essential to safeguard the athletes’ concentration and restore serenity to the team."
Impact on Competition and Team Performance
Before his departure, Medved contributed to Finland's sixth-place finish in the mixed team ski jumping event. The Finnish team expressed confidence in their remaining staff to handle the situation effectively, ensuring minimal disruption to ongoing events.
Ski jumping competitions at the 2026 Winter Olympics continue through the weekend, culminating with the men's super team final on Monday. The incident underscores the high standards of conduct expected at international sporting events, particularly within Olympic delegations.
