The members of the Finnish men’s hockey national team arrived at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport on Monday afternoon, fresh from winning the gold medal at the Beijing Winter Olympics on Sunday.
Cross-country skiers and Olympic medalists also joined the team on the flight from China Krista Pärmäkoski and Kerttu Niskanen.
After a short delay in Beijing due to a flight loading problem, the team members received a warm greeting upon arrival at Helsinki-Vantaa.
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The athletes were welcomed by, among others, the Finnish Minister of Culture and Sports, Antti Kurvinen and the Chairman of the Finnish Olympic Committee, Jan Vapaavuori.
Captain of the hockey team, Valtteri Filppulatold Yle that the trip to China was very emotional, especially when the games started just a couple of days after the firstborn was born.
"Yes, it was a storm of emotions. It was hard to go to Beijing, but at the same time, of course, I wanted to play. Everything went well in the end and now it is good to come home with fun souvenirs," he said.
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The hockey team could not stay at the airport for long, as they were scheduled to meet thousands of fans at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium in the evening.
Cross-country silver and bronze medalist Niskanen said he plans to celebrate his victories at home with his brother on Tuesday.
"Wednesday is the only day I have time to rest at home. On Thursday, a sprint will be run at Helsinki Stadium and then the World Championships in Lahti this weekend." Niskanen said.
Source: The Nordic Page