The Finnish Olympic Committee has expelled ski jumping head coach Igor Medved from the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics following a breach of team alcohol regulations.
Officials acted decisively after the incident, which occurred outside working hours but contravened established standards of conduct.
Janne Hanninen, the committee’s head of elite sports, confirmed the departure on Thursday. “Medved has travelled home today. This is about alcohol-related issues,” he stated.
“We take rule violations very seriously and will act quickly in the matter.”
Ski jumping head coach Igor Medved has apologised for his actions
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The committee emphasised that ensuring peace of mind for athletes and coaching staff remained the priority following the dismissal.
Medved, a 44-year-old Slovenian, offered a contrite explanation for his conduct in a voice message to Finnish broadcaster Yle Sport.
“I am not proud of myself,” he admitted. “I apologise to the athletes, coaches, support staff, the Olympic Committee, the Ski Association, and the fans.”
The former ski jumper revealed the circumstances that led to his downfall. “After the competition, I was invited to Slovenia’s gold medal celebration. I hadn’t eaten anything, and after that, the alcohol did its job.”
He added: “I made a mistake and am very sorry. I wish the team peace and quiet to focus on the Olympics.”
Finland had won gold at the ski jumping, leading to celebrations
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Medved enjoyed a professional ski jumping career representing Slovenia between 2001 and 2006, achieving a notable third-place finish at a World Cup event in Trondheim during his debut season.
He assumed the Finnish head coach position in June 2024, having previously guided Slovenia’s B national team.
The nation’s mixed team claimed gold in ski jumping on Tuesday, with siblings Domen and Nika Prevc making Olympic history as the first brother and sister to secure a ski jumping medal at the same Games.
Marleena Valtasola, executive director of the Finnish Ski Federation, confirmed that discussions regarding Medved’s future would take place once the Games conclude.
Igor Medved represented Slovenia in ski jumping over 20 years ago
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“An unpleasant situation has arisen: alcohol was consumed in violation of team rules. We have decided that Medved will not participate in the Olympics,” she stated.
“Now it is essential to safeguard the athletes’ concentration and restore serenity to the team and for Igor.”
Lasse Moilanen will step in to accompany the men’s squad for the remaining large hill individual and team events, supported by women’s coach Ossi-Pekka Valta and sports director Petter Kukkonen.
The men’s large hill individual competition is scheduled for tomorrow.
