Finnish ice hockey gold medalists return from Beijing Olympics | News
The team captain said it was an emotional journey, not least because his first child was born just days before the games started.
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Members of Finland’s men’s ice hockey team arrived at Helsinki airport on Monday afternoon, fresh from their gold medal win at the Beijing Winter Olympics on Sunday.
Cross-country skiers and Olympic medalists also joined the team on the flight from China. Krista Parmakoski and Kerttu Niskanen.
After a brief delay in Beijing due to a loading issue on the flight, the team members were warmly welcomed upon arrival at Helsinki airport.
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Those who welcomed the athletes included Finland’s Minister of Culture and Sport, Antti Kurvinen as well as the President of the Finnish Olympic Committee, Jan Vapavuori.
The captain of the ice hockey team, Valtteri Filppulatold Yle that the trip to China was very emotional, especially since the games started just days after the birth of her first child.
“Yes, it was a storm of emotions. It was difficult to go to Beijing but at the same time I wanted to play, of course. Everything went well in the end and now it’s good to go home with fun memories,” he said. noted.
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The ice hockey team couldn’t stay at the airport for long, as they had to meet thousands of fans at the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki in the evening.
Cross-country silver and bronze medalist Niskanen said she plans to celebrate her wins at home with her brother on Tuesday.
“Wednesday will be the only day I have time to rest at home. Thursday is a sprint race at the Helsinki stadium and then it will be the World Cup in Lahti at the weekend,” said said Niskanen.