On February 1st, the Finnish Student Sports Federation celebrated its 86th Anniversary. Kaisa Myllylä, the new President of the Federation, warmly welcomed all the guests from member associations and interest groups.

 

Afternoon's highlight was the publication of Finnish Student Athlete of the Year, an award that has been granted since 2002. This time the honour was directed to figure skater Kiira Korpi who won bronze medal in Harbin Universiade last winter. The medal was the first ever won by a Finnish athlete in Universiade figure skating, exclusive of synchronized skating.

 

 

21-year old Korpi studies management and organization in the University of Tampere. In her athletic career, Korpi has won bronze medal also in Figure Skating European Championships 2007. In 2010 event, which was held recently in Estonia, she placed fourth.

 

Korpi was not able to receive her award personally as she is currently getting prepared for her second Olympic Games, which are about to begin in Vancouver next week.

Finnish student athletes of the year:

2002: Anu Kopra, orienteering; University of Tampere
* Gold medal in WUC
2003: Jani Tanskanen, artistic gymnastics; University of Jyväskylä
* Silver medal in Daegu SU
2004: Laura Lammi, water skiing; Haaga-Helia Polytechnic
* Bronze medal in WUC
2005: Juha Haukkala, freestyle skiing/ ski cross; Stadia Polytechnic
* Gold medal in Innsbruck WU
2006: Viivi Koivu, sport shooting; University of Jyväskylä
* Gold medal in International University Shooting Championship
2007: Johanna Manninen, athletics; University of Jyväskylä
* 2 gold medals in Bangkok SU
2008: Bodil Holmström, orienteering; Åbo Akademi University
* 3 gold medals in WUC
2009: Kiira Korpi, figure skating: University of Tampere
* Bronze medal in Harbin WU

 

More information: www.oll.fi