Matti Suur-Hamari accepts Imatra plot nearly a decade after award

Paralympic snowboard champion Matti Suur-Hamari has chosen the free plot Imatra awarded him in 2017, Yle reports. He selected a plot in Sienimäenranta, near the Vuoksi River, after almost 10 years of consideration.

Suur-Hamari said he had not previously had time to build a house because of the demands of elite sport, which took him around the world. His life is now calmer than during his peak competitive years, he told Yle.

“The athlete’s everyday life is about going back and forth around the world. Now life is somewhat more peaceful than during my peak years, so there might be time for a house project,” Suur-Hamari said.

He said he had lived “a little here and there” in recent years but still felt drawn to South Karelia, the region where he comes from.

“It would be nice to return to my home region at some point, which is why the plot issue was brought up again,” he said.

Imatra formally approved the transfer of the plot on Tuesday. It will cost Suur-Hamari nothing because it is an honorary award. The city did not impose a construction requirement, as no such condition was included in the original decision.

Suur-Hamari was allowed to choose from about 50 undeveloped plots for detached houses offered by the city. He does not yet know when construction will begin.

“We will see what the future brings, and then build accordingly,” he said.

Suur-Hamari is currently studying sports business management in an English-language programme at Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences. His studies towards a higher professional university degree are nearing completion.

He said he appreciated local communities remembering their athletes and regarded them as important ambassadors for cities and regions. Suur-Hamari won world championships and two Paralympic gold medals in snowboard cross before ending his competitive career after the 2022 Beijing Paralympics.