Finland ski jump coach Igor Medved reportedly sent home from Winter Olympics over alcohol related issue

Igor Medved, who is Finland’s ski jumping coach for the 2026 winter Olympics, was sent home on Thursday due to an alleged alcohol related issue. 

Medved’s behavior was described as a violation of team conduct by Finland’s Olympic committee. Following his dismissal from the Olympic team, Medved issued an apology.

"I made a mistake and I am very sorry," Medved said in a statement. "I want to apologize to the entire Finnish team, the athletes and also the fans." 

No further details were given by Finland’s Olympic committee regarding their now former ski jumping coach’s early departure. 

"Medved traveled home today. The matter concerns issues related to alcohol use. We take violations of the team's rules very seriously and reacted to the situation quickly," Janne Hanninen, head of the Finnish team, said in a statement. 

Executive director of the Finnish Ski Federation, Marleena Valtasola said Medved’s future with the program would be decided following the Winter Games.

“An unpleasant situation has arisen: alcohol was consumed in violation of team rules,” Valtasola said. “We have decided that Medved will not participate in the Olympics. The other issues will be discussed with him after the Games. Now it is essential to safeguard the athletes’ concentration and restore serenity to the team and for Igor." 

Medved took over as coach of the Finland ski jumping team in June of 2024.