Olympics coach is shipped house in shame after ‘alcohol-related’ challenge throughout get together with rival nation

Finland ski jumping coach Igor Medved has been sent home from the Winter Olympics for an ‘alcohol related issue’ – and has now issued an apology.

News that Medved, who is a former ski jumper himself from Slovenia, has been relieved of his duties at least for the Winter Games was revealed by Anne Hanninen, head of elite sports at the Finnish Olympic Committee, in a press conference.

She said: ‘Medved has travelled home today. This is about alcohol-related issues. We take rule violations very seriously and will act quickly in the matter.’

It was also revealed that the incident took place away from coaching duties, but made clear that it broke team rules.

In a voice note to Yle Sport, meanwhile, Medved apologised for his behaviour.

‘I am not proud of myself,’ he said. ‘I apologise to the athletes, coaches, support staff, the Olympic Committee, the Ski Association, and the fans.

Igor Medved, Finland’s ski jumping coach, has been sent home from the Winter Olympics for an ‘alcohol related issue’

‘After the competition, I was invited to Slovenia’s gold medal celebration. I hadn’t eaten anything, and after that, the alcohol did its job.’

Meanwhile, Marleena Valtasola, the executive director of the Finnish Ski Federation, said that they would decide on Medved’s future after the Games.

‘An unpleasant situation has arisen: alcohol was consumed in violation of team rules,’ she 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.

‘We have a solid staff in place and we are confident we can handle the situation in the best possible way,’ she added.