Ari Luusua on possible comeback after doping ban ends in January 2026: “I’m a working family man”

Finnish cross‑country skier Ari Luusua, 37, has been in touch with the Finnish Ski Association regarding the conditions of a possible return to competition. According to Larissa Erola, who handles competition licensing matters at the association, Luusua’s period of ineligibility now ends on 3 January 2026, which is the earliest date he could compete and have his FIS athlete code reactivated.

Originally, his sanction was due to end on 26 August 2025. However, because he filed a retirement notice and later changed his mind, the World Anti‑Doping Agency’s rules required him to remain available for testing throughout the entire sanction period, effectively pushing his eligibility date into early 2026.

Luusua provided a positive sample on 20 July 2021 that showed the anabolic steroid drostanolone and the banned substance meldonium. At the time, he was preparing for the Ski Classics season with Sweden’s Team Eksjöhus. Finland’s anti‑doping disciplinary panel (SUEK) imposed a four‑year ban, which Luusua appealed, arguing he had already ended his active career and was no longer in the testing pool. The appeals body rejected his argument and upheld the four‑year sanction.

Ski Classics also levied a €100,000 fine against Luusua for violating the anti‑doping section of its athlete agreement.

Reached by Yle, Luusua—who spent much of the 2010s among Finland’s top sprint skiers before moving to long‑distance racing with teams such as Team Mäenpää—declined to take a position on a comeback. “Above all, I’m a working family man. I have nothing to comment either way regarding a possible return. If there’s something to announce, I’ll announce it,” he said. He acknowledged he still trains regularly but would not assess how goal‑oriented his exercise is.

The Ski Association confirmed it has discussed procedural details with him during 2025, and reiterated that any return would be possible only from 3 January 2026, in line with anti‑doping rules.