Huge congratulations to Suvi Minkkinen on her wonderful honours at the 2026 Finnish Sports Gala!

In the glittering atmosphere of last Thursday’s gala evening, Suvi received two clear expressions of appreciation from the public and the sporting community. She was recognised for both Breakthrough of the Year and the Most Inspiring Sporting Moment of the Year. These honours reflect sustained hard work and an entirely new level of prominence in Finnish sport.

The Breakthrough of the Year award recognises an athlete who has taken a significant step forward, changing their standing at the top of their sport. For Suvi, this breakthrough has been evident particularly in her success in the Biathlon World Cup and medals at major championships, one of the brightest being the bronze medal she won in the World Championship sprint. It is the result of years of commitment, training and the decision that elite performance is built every day, whether the day is good or not.

The Most Inspiring Sporting Moment award is shaped by the public’s experience and emotion – the moment that truly makes people stop and feel something. Suvi’s sprint towards World Championship bronze resonated widely with viewers and voting fans, which is why it was chosen as the most inspiring sporting moment of the year. It shows that Suvi’s achievements are experiences that stay in people’s minds and move them, whether they follow the sport closely or only watch occasionally.

Suvi’s success is also part of a bigger picture. Finnish biathlon has made clear progress in recent years, and the entire national biathlon team has shown strong performances on the international stage. More consistent World Cup results, more final appearances and growing confidence are evident in the team’s work from one competition to the next. This is about systematic development and a shared direction, rather than isolated successes.

It is important to remember that awards and honours are only a reflection of the huge effort behind them, involving thousands of hours of training. Suvi did not arrive on the Sports Gala stage out of nowhere; she is a regular contender for the leading World Cup places and has shown that systematic development works. The same determined work is visible throughout the national team – in everyday efforts, preparation and belief in their own work even in the toughest situations.

It is an honour for us to be part of Suvi’s journey, and also to work with the entire national biathlon team and support their development as they aim for an ever higher international standard. It is inspiring to see the work of individuals and the team bear fruit.

Congratulations, Suvi – and congratulations to the whole team. The work continues, and its results are showing.