Juha Mieto Remembers Immo Kuutsa's Love for Skiing – 'One Would Hope There Would be Snow in a Better World'

Juha Mieto Remembers Immo Kuutsa's Love for Skiing – “One Would Hope There Would be Snow in a Better World”

Juha Mieto, a legendary ski athlete, reminisces about the late Immo Kuutsa, who passed away at age 87 and had a profound love for skiing. Mieto notes how during Kuutsa's coaching years (1972-1985), Finland paved the way for the skiing world.

"Immo was a significant figure in skiing. He had a passionate commitment to ski sports and was a strict coach. He was ultimately a superior organizer, always maintaining a positive attitude," Mieto shares about his former coach.

During Kuutsa's leadership, Finnish skiers won a staggering 18 Olympic and 17 World Championship medals. The peak of Kuutsa's coaching era was undoubtedly at the 1984 Sarajevo Olympics, where Marja-Liisa Hämäläinen won three gold medals.

Kuutsa was ahead of his time, insisting on new training grounds and relentless work ethic, ensuring everything was in order for the athletes. Mieto recalls, "Whenever the Finnish team was away, the training grounds were not up to par. But with Immo, the tracks were always ready by the time the skiers arrived."

Overall, Mieto says, Kuutsa's intense dedication led to unparalleled success in Finnish skiing that set the stage for future generations. His legacy, Mieto states, solidifies him as the greatest coach in ski history.

As a humorous yet poignant memory, Mieto reflects on a time Kuutsa expressed a wish: "When my time comes, I hope there is snow in the better world."