It’s boiling in Finland: Janne Ahonen blasts federation for treatment of his son Mico

Finnish ski jumping icon Janne Ahonen has sharply criticized the Finnish Ski Association over what he calls unfair treatment of his son, Mico Ahonen. In comments to the Finnish daily Ilta‑Sanomat, Ahonen said the federation’s decisions were “incomprehensible,” arguing that Mico showed good form after returning from a serious knee injury yet was not selected for either the A or B national team.

According to Ahonen, the decision may have been driven by personal animus toward him. “It looks like they’re taking revenge on my son for my mistakes. Mico has suffered from this throughout his entire career,” he said. Mico Ahonen has now ended his career at the age of 23, with Janne suggesting the federation’s approach played a decisive role.

Responding to the criticism, Finland’s team manager Igor Medved said Mico’s exclusion was due to budget constraints and a necessary downsizing of squad numbers. He emphasized that “the door remains open for athletes who meet the appropriate criteria.”

The dispute has rekindled debate in Finland about selection transparency, athlete support during injury comebacks, and the pressures young jumpers face when they carry a famous name.