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Hometown: Finland
Current Location: London
How did you get into skiing?
I grew up at the lake with my whole family skiing but it took me a while to get the hang of training seriously. My older siblings were already competing and it felt a bit intimidating at first.
When did you decide to commit yourself to the skiing and take it seriously?
By the time I was 9 and had skied my first competition (winning with a score of 0) I was hooked, I wanted to keep winning.
Do you consider yourself to be an adrenaline junkie?
I’m not very good at trying new things, but then again I will always try and be as tough as the guys
Can you give us a rundown of your average day during the season?
I ski with my family and my cousin Emi. My brother Jarno coaches us and I drive the boat most of the time. If the weather sucks, we rely on the sauna to warm up after a ski. Luckily the past few summers have been amazing. We ski mainly evenings, thanks to the long days in the north and we try and get in as many sets as possible, this would normally include a jump set and a set of cutting. Our lake is massive and not always sheltered around the courses but its great for riding your jumpers.
What’s your favorite lake to fly at?
Our site at home in Finland. My family has worked so hard to make our site world class (this includes 2 ramps) for training and I appreciate it so much.
 What has been your most memorable moment so far? Winning the u21 Europeans at my home club in Tampere. It was the first time my whole family saw me jumping at a big competition so it was like a win for the whole family.
How do you prepare for a big competition?
I try and build up my jumping gradually and I time the peak of the season around the biggest competitions.
Do you still get nervous before a big tournament?
That would be a definite yes. Either I shut myself off or I get completely awkward, I never know which one its going to be. I just try and work with my nerves.
What is the atmosphere like behind the scenes? What is your relationship with the other GTF?
Some of these girls I’ve known since I was 10. When I skied in the junior divisions in the Scandinavian championships I looked up to the older girls who were getting better and better. I wanted to ski at their level so bad and kept working hard on my jumping. I would love to spend more time with all the girls, and hopefully I can spend some more time in the US next year.
Do you think the jump suit will ever evolve to be figure flattering?
I only wear guys models as they are much slimmer and better with the arm sling. I’m really happy with the suit I have.
What are your suitcase essentials when you’re on the road?
I’m really good at packing as little as possible. This might be because I rely on my sister or cousin bringing the hairbrush, shampoo and the rest of the girly stuff (and they know this).
What have been your biggest career setbacks?
My degree taking up so much time. Its been super difficult balancing my time on and off the water. Sitting in front of the computer 14h a day has paid its toll.
Any words of wisdom to share with up and coming jumpers? Especially girls?
Learn to take advantage from riding your jumpers. I ride my jumpers everyday, it’s the best way to get rid of bad habits without worrying about hitting the ramp. Enjoy the competitions and try and inspire all the girls to jump!
Where would you like GTF to be in 5 years?
Its been great to see so many pro tournaments take on the girls event as well. I hope we get more and more exposure and possibilities in the next few years and I’m really looking forward to taking part in more competitions.
What’s up next for you?
I’m graduating in early summer 2012 with a BA in interior architecture. After this its all about jumping. I’m hoping to be able to carry on with some design projects straight away but most importantly I want to take part in all the comps I’ve missed because of uni. I miss home a lot and I also miss my second home at ITS in Florida.
Why should everyone read this buy a GTF calendar?
When it feels like the days at the lake are passing too quickly it’s a good idea to get distracted by some girls that fly.
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