PyeongChang 2018: Finland names team
Para snowboard world champion Matti Suur-Hamari one of main medal hopes in 13-strong delegation 16 Feb 2018The Finnish Paralympic Committee has announced the team for the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games. The country will be represented by 13 athletes in five of the six sports and has set a target of at least three medals in Korea.
Four years ago, Finland finished in 16.º place in the medals’ table in Sochi with one silver medal from Ilkka Tuomisto in the Para cross country men’s 20 km standing. Tuomisto is again one of the country’s biggest hopes alongside reigning Para snowboard world champion Matti Suur-Hamari.
“The team going to Korea has a combination of youth and experience. There are 13 athletes, six of whom are competing in the Games for the first time. Over the years, a few athletes have developed into potential medallists and hopefully we will have good results in PyeongChang,” said team leader Kimmo Mustonen.
Finland is the sixth most successful nation in the Paralympic Winter Games’ history with a total of 76 gold, 48 silver and 59 bronze medals. Para cross country is responsible for 88% of the medals won by the Finns in the Winter Paralympics.
Team Finland for PyeongChang 2018:
Para alpine skiing
Santeri Kiiveri
Para Nordic skiing
Ilkka Tuomisto
Sini Pyy
Juha Härkönen
Rudolf Klemetti (guide Jaakko Kallunki)
Inkki Inola (guide Vili Sormunen)
Para snowboard
Matti Suur-Hamari
Matti Sairanen
Wheelchair curling
Markku Karjalainen
Vesa Leppänen
Sari Karjalainen
Yrjö Jääskeläinen
Riitta Särösalo
The Paralympic Winter Games take place in PyeongChang, South Korea from 9-18 March. Tickets can be purchased here.