Finnish junior biathletes collaborate with Italian women’s team in Vuokatti

In Vuokatti, Finnish junior biathletes engaged in a rare international collaboration with the Italian women’s biathlon team. Multi-medalist Lisa Vittozzi expressed her admiration for the number of children in Finland participating in biathlon from a young age. “I wish it were the same in Italy,” she said, adding that she is eager to ski with the children and observe their progress. Vittozzi emphasized the importance of young athletes enjoying the sport.

Ten-year-old Eevert Laitila, representing Sotkamon Jymy, was part of the training session, where juniors warmed up alongside the Italian national team and practiced on an obstacle course. Laitila noted that the presence of elite biathletes could inspire young athletes to strive for excellence themselves.

The collaboration was initiated by Italian head coach Jonne Kähkönen, who views it as mutually beneficial. It allows the national team women to train at sea level while sharing experiences with young athletes. “When a foreign national team trains in Vuokatti, it showcases Finland’s training conditions internationally,” Kähkönen said, noting that training is typically conducted at high altitudes prior to the competition season.

Kähkönen highlighted the immediate training benefit of being able to ski “easy kilometers” in Vuokatti. The experienced national team athletes also took the opportunity to impart their knowledge to the young biathletes attending the camp. Local youth athletes were also involved in the training sessions, fostering a vibrant atmosphere of learning and collaboration.