NEWYou can now listen to PK Press Club articles!
Finnish ski jumpers will have to navigate the remainder of the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Games without head coach Igor Medved.
The coach’s withdrawal from the Games centered on what officials described Thursday as an alcohol-related problem.
The Finnish Olympic Committee added that Medved’s behavior violated the team’s conduct policies.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PK Press Club
The Olympic rings stand near Anterselva di Sopra (Antholz Obertal), which will host the biathlon competition at the Sudtirol Arena Alto Adige, as part of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, in Anterselva Di Mezzo, Italy, January 31, 2026. (Reuters/Fabrizio Bensch)
Further details regarding the incident that led to Medved being sent home were not immediately released.
FINLAND WOMEN’S OLYMPIC ICE HOCKEY TEAM POSTPONED AS PLAYERS FACE NOROVIRUS OUTBREAK
Wille Karhumaa of Finland jumps during the ski jumping event of the Gundersen Normal Hill/10km Nordic Combined Individual Event at the Predazzo Ski Jumping Stadium in Predazzo (Val di Fiemme) during the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, February 11, 2026. (Javier SORIANO / AFP via Getty Images)
“Medved returned home today. The matter concerns alcohol-related issues. We take violations of team rules very seriously and responded quickly to the situation,” Finnish team manager Janne Hanninen said in a statement.
Medved admitted he had made a mistake and apologized, saying: “I made a mistake and I’m really sorry. I want to apologize to the whole Finnish team, the athletes and also the fans.”
Ilkka Herola of Team Finland competes in the ski jumping test round of the Gundersen Normal Hill/10km Individual Nordic Combined during day five of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics at the Predazzo Ski Jumping Stadium on February 11, 2026 in Val di Fiemme, Italy. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Finnish Ski Federation executive director Marleena Valtasola said the organization would review Medved’s situation before the next Olympics.
“An unpleasant situation occurred: alcohol was consumed in violation of team rules,” Valtasola said. “We have decided that Medved will not participate in the Olympic Games. Other issues will be discussed with him after the Games. It is now essential to preserve the athletes’ concentration and restore peace of mind to the team and Igor.”
She added: “We have strong staff and we are confident that we can handle the situation in the best possible way.”
Medved was named head coach of the Finnish team in June 2024.
