Skiing Iivo Niskanen shone with his third Olympic gold – and considered the order of importance of things in his life

Zhangjiakou.

IIvo Niskanen shone a race with his third Olympic medal, which he was allowed to strap himself around Zhangjiakou’s evening.

Niskanen was superior in the 15-kilometer traditional skiing race, defeating second-placed Russia Alexander Bolshunov 23.2 seconds apart.

To the left of Niskanen at the award ceremony was Norway Johannes Hösflot Kläbo .

Niskanen described the distribution of prizes for a memorable moment.

“After the competition, there are some of the best moments when the Finnish flag is raised and the song Maamme is played,” Niskanen told Finnish journalists after the award ceremony.

Niskanen had one smile throughout the ceremony. He admitted that no particular thought was moving in the mind.

Niskanen just wanted to enjoy the situation when eight years of work were successfully in the package.

The eight-year plan began at the Sochi Olympics in 2014. There, 22-year-old Niskanen lost his favorite 15-kilometer traditional skiing bronze in just 0.2 seconds to Sweden. To Daniel Richardsson.

The next opportunity for the traditional Olympic gold of the same trip was here in Beijing. And Niskanen took it with superior performance.

Niskasen the career has had milestones that have brought, among other things, 15 kilometers of World Cup gold and 50 kilometers of Olympic gold.

Now he achieved for himself the most important goal of his sports career.

“This has been the kind of stop we have been to,” Niskanen said.

“I’m going to enjoy this moment and the gold medal. I have given my best and done all things with such high quality as I have been able to accomplish. ”

Niskasen the performance was so overwhelming that he got in the mood for the last few miles. He knew no one could catch him anymore.

“Everything has to succeed at the touch of being able to enjoy the last mile and a half.”

Niskanen joined Paavo Nurmen, Pertti Karppinen and Veikko Hakulisen as a result of the small number of Finnish athletes who have won gold at the three Olympics

The 2026 Olympics will be held in Milan and Cortina, Italy. Niskanen is then 34 years old.

Will the career continue to the next winter races?

“There are a lot of important things in life. Sometimes, of course, it’s time to jump aside and plan the following dreams: building a house and starting a family and more if they can be realized, ”Niskanen begins.

And continue.

“I’ve experienced a lot during my sports career, but I’m in the best shape of my life now. Even if it’s the best time to stop, I won’t do it today. ”

Niskasen his career will continue beyond this year, but he does not promise any four-year plan for the next Olympics. Goals can now be found much closer.

The home crowd and loved ones should be contacted properly. And read congratulatory messages.

“There have been so many messages that you have to watch for a little while. Now is the time. ”

And we have to celebrate.

“I want to get to the race village and celebrate the medal with the rest of the team.”

And gold skiing is worth repeating.

“I’ll put the buttons on my ears, go to the treadmill and look again.”