Teemu Selänne’s golf buddy chases Olympic dream at Ruka – Yle expert gives blunt verdict

Ruka’s World Cup weekend featured the usual battles for victory and points, but also skiers from decidedly non‑traditional cross‑country countries. The sprint qualification included athletes from Israel, Thailand, Venezuela, and the Philippines—many of them hunting FIS points and ultimately a path to the Milano–Cortina 2026 Olympics. Previously, developing nations had separate qualification races, but now many chase points directly at World Cups.

One such athlete is Edward Limbaga, 48, who represents the Philippines. Born in the United States and living in California, Limbaga originally pursued an Olympic dream in ice hockey and tried to make the Philippine national team. He says he would have been good enough on the ice but would have needed to reside in the Philippines; when the chance came to represent the country in another sport, he took it.

Limbaga took up cross‑country through rollerskiing in July and earned a chance to compete at the World Cup. He skied on snow for the first time two weeks ago in Olos, Muonio, where he finished 144th and 149th in 10 km races, scoring 940 and 990 FIS points. His target is to bring his points under 300. In Friday’s 10 km classic in Ruka he improved to 690 points with a 108th place—about a 250‑point improvement versus Olos—and in Saturday’s sprint qualification he finished last, 3:20.48 behind winner Johannes Høsflot Klæbo. Despite the frigid contrast with California, Limbaga says he loves Ruka and its weather. He also has Finnish connections in California, often golfing with Teemu Selänne—who nicknamed him “Back 9 Eddie.”

Venezuela’s Nicolas Claveau‑Laviolette, 20, was among the happiest after Friday’s 10 km; despite placing 102nd, he and teammate Guillermo Racero believe he may have effectively secured an Olympic berth, pending confirmation expected after the Davos World Cup. The Venezuelan duo have based themselves frequently in Vuokatti and received significant help from Finns: national‑team‑experienced coach Mikko Virtanen guides them, and Sotkamo Jymy’s baseball (Superpesis) head coach Iiro Haimi has pitched in as a ski technician at Ruka, drawing on his junior skiing background.

In sprint qualification, Racero was second‑to‑last (+1:27.71) and Claveau‑Laviolette placed 92nd (+42.80).

Yle expert Ville Nousiainen is among those who would prefer separate qualifying competitions for skiers from developing nations. While acknowledging there are capable athletes in this cohort, he argues many would still outpace someone like Limbaga and that the current approach looks harsh. He appreciates that athletes can chase their dreams, but asks whether there should be an alternative pathway so they don’t need to race World Cups to get their qualifying done.