Seventeen-year-old Iida Karhunen is representing Finland as she joins NHL stars in the Olympic Village. The young figure skater is set to compete in her first Olympic Games in Milan. Having completed her preparations, Karhunen aims to make an impressive debut in the women’s short program on February 16, at 7:45 PM.
Karhunen’s Olympic Aspirations
Karhunen, hailing from Lappeenranta, views this Olympic experience as a valuable learning opportunity rather than a pressure-filled competition. Her primary goal is to place among the top 24 in the short program, allowing her to advance to the free skate event later that week.
Background and Preparation
- Age: 17
- Height: 149 cm
- Current education level: Second year of high school
- Recent competition: Finished 10th at the European Championships in January
Karhunen spent last week in a training camp in Bergamo with her coach Marina Shirshova. She expressed her desire to stick to familiar routines during the Olympics, focusing on performing her best rather than attempting new, risky maneuvers.
Support from Family
Karhunen’s family is in Milan to support her, including her parents and two older sisters. Being one of the youngest athletes in the Finnish Olympic team, she shares her age group with Heta Hirvonen, the youngest member of the team, who competes in ski jumping.
Experiences in Milan
Despite being surrounded by towering NHL players, Karhunen finds herself enjoying the camaraderie of the Olympic Village. She appreciates the opportunity to interact with athletes from various sports, although she mentions that her encounters with hockey players have been limited so far.
Previous Success and Goals
Earlier in 2023, Karhunen claimed gold at the European Youth Olympic Festival held in Pontebbana. She views established skaters such as Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto as inspirations for her career, alongside Finnish greats like Kiira Korpi and Laura Lepistö, the latter of whom achieved Finland’s best Olympic finish in women’s singles skating with a sixth-place showing in Vancouver 2010.
Looking Ahead
Karhunen’s approach to the Olympics is characterized by determination and resilience. She emphasizes her commitment to perseverance, stating, “I won’t give up, even if things don’t go as planned.” As she prepares for her upcoming performances, the Finnish skater hopes to deliver her best and, ultimately, secure a spot in the free program scheduled for February 18 at 8 PM.
