Finnish Ski Jumping Coach Igor Medved Sent Home From 2026 Winter Olympics Over Alcohol-Related Breach

A major off-field incident has overshadowed the ski jumping competition at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics after Finland’s head coach, Igor Medved, was dismissed from the Games for violating team conduct rules related to alcohol use.

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The Finnish Olympic Committee confirmed on Thursday that Medved had been sent home from the Olympic village after officials concluded his actions breached internal regulations governing staff behaviour at the Games. The situation has drawn attention as one of the most unusual disciplinary actions at this year’s Olympics.

Early Departure After Rule Violation

Medved, a 44-year-old Slovenian who has been Finland’s national ski jumping head coach since June 2024, will have no further role in the Olympics following the decision. Finland’s Olympic delegation said the incident “concerns matters related to alcohol use,” but did not provide specific details about what occurred.

“We take violations of the team’s rules very seriously and reacted to the situation quickly,” Janne Hänninen, head of the Finnish team, said in a statement announcing Medved’s departure. Officials stressed that the priority now is to protect athlete focus and team morale as competition continues.

Apology and Reaction

Medved publicly acknowledged his mistake after being removed from the Olympic environment. “I made a mistake, and I am very sorry,” he said, offering an apology to the Finnish team, its athletes, support staff, the Finnish Olympic Committee and fans. He declined to elaborate further on the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Finnish Ski Association has said it will review the matter more thoroughly after the conclusion of the Winter Games and determine any further consequences for Medved’s future role with the team.