Weather Surprises Kerttu Niskanen in Taivalkoski - Suvi Minkkinen Just Misses SM Medal
Originally published in Yle on April 04, 2025
Taivalkoski was the scene of an intense women's 5 km freestyle race, where Kerttu Niskanen showcased her superior skiing skills to take the gold medal at the Finnish Championships. Niskanen finished the race with a time of 12:03.4, leaving Jasmi Joensuu to secure the silver by 11.3 seconds, and Vilma Nissinen clinching the bronze medal.
The competition saw Suvi Minkkinen, a strong contender in her own right, finishing fourth, falling approximately 30 seconds behind the leader. Niskanen expressed her relief and excitement despite the challenging icy conditions.
The event highlighted Niskanen's competitive spirit and ability to thrive under pressure, as she navigated the unexpected weather changes that surprised many participants. With several key competitors missing, Joensuu was reminded of the importance of maintaining performance consistency.
The results showcase a heated rivalry at the top levels of Finnish women's cross-country skiing, setting the stage for future competitions.
