Ski-jumping head coach Nikunen to leave his post

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Already a week ago, after the ski-flying world championships, Finland’s ski-jumping head coach Tommi Nikunen,36, dropped the hint that he would not take up the option of continuing in the job for another two years.
     
And that is exactly what happened. On Sunday Nikunen confirmed in Lahti that he would leave the post he has held for six years after this season.
      "After April I will face a weird and even scary situation, as I have no idea what to do next", Nikunen explained in a press conference accompanied by Janne Marvaila, head of ski jumping at the Finnish Ski Association (FSA).
      So far the only job that Nikunen knows of is the finishing of his Master’s degree studies in Sport Sciences at the University of Jyväskylä. To graduate within the set time limit, Nikunen has to complete his remaining coursework by the beginning of July.
      Accordingly, FSA will immediately launch a quest for a new head coach, Marvaila adds. The period of application expires on April 11th.
     
Both domestic and foreign coaches may apply. Finland is yet to have a foreign head coach for its squad of ski-jumpers.
      "The post is quite sought-after", Marvaila explains.
      Nikunen said he would be available, should his expertise be needed in the selection process for the new coach.
     
The reasons for Nikunen not to continue in the job remained slightly unclear. Both Nikunen and Marvaila emphasised that the decision was reached in "mutual understanding".
      "There are many reasons. Six years with one team is a long time. There has been a lot of pressure, for ski-jumping is arguably the most followed sport in Finland. In the present situation we agreed that this was the best solution", Nikunen formulated.
      Nikunen also denied that there was a connection between his decision and the recent media stir surrounding ski-jumper Harri Olli’s disorderly behaviour. Marvaila hoped that Nikunen would continue within the field of ski-jumping, as “he has a lot to contribute to the sport”.
     
Nikunen admitted that coaching is his main object of interest.
      "But I have no idea where and when to continue", he added.
      Nikunen did not exclude the possibility of working abroad should a suitable job be offered to him.
      A fair number of Finnish coaches do ply their trade abroad, for instance in Norway (Mika Kojonkoski, Nikunen's predecessor), Slovenia (Ari-Pekka Nikkola), and Japan (Kari Ylianttila).
      "In that case I would have to ask for my wife’s opinion as well. I leave my present job holding my head up high. In my view the results have been at least moderate. According to my calculations we have had nine medallists in various international competitions."


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Harri Olli dismissed from ski-jumping team for disciplinary lapses (27.2.2008)

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