Arttu Lappi is another national team player with unlimited possibilities, Finland.
18-The 18-year-old cares not only about his sports career, but also his goal is to complete his studies at Kuopio University, and is now graduating.
Fin already has places on his account 8, 15 i 28 in the World Cup competitions in Lahti, Falun and Trondheim in the last season.
The Lappi Summer Grand Prix ended on 28. position, but did not compete in the first three events in Hinterzarten and Courchevel.
This is really a very good result.
Lappi is a player always smiling, approaching each jump with a smile on his face. In conversation, he is very calm and focused.
Young Fin listens to every question carefully and tries to give accurate answers. People, who know him better, knowledge, that he approaches his profession and work with great commitment.
Like a typical Finn, Lappi shows no emotion after a successful jump, because you could always do better…
On the other hand, he doesn't bother himself if things don't go well.
There are many good jumpers in Kuopio, who live and train there. Do you benefit from competition in training?, or rather you feel pressured by it?
We train mostly all the time on the hill, and we can also take part in other activities together. Of course it, that there are so many strong fighters here in Kuopio is a big advantage.
If you are a top jumper in Kuopio, later in another group you are also one of the best” says Lappi, laughing.
” In this team you can verify your abilities.”
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How will you reconcile ski jumping with your studies??
“World-class ski jumping requires a lot of work. To reconcile this with studying you need a lot of energy and motivation.
It's really hard to put this together, but it can be done.
Even if everything goes well, there will be no free time left.”
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What are your goals for the next season?
“My goal is to keep my position in the first team, which would allow me to take part in all competitions.
If I could, I'd be happy with places in between 10 i 20.
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What is the case with the world championships in Predazzo? Double win, like Simon Ammann in Salt Lake City, that would be something…
Lappy laughs, “of course that would be a feat, but i have to be realistic. I'm not physically at that high level yet.”
We will be keeping a close eye on the results of the 18-year-old jumper from Kuopio. We'll see if he manages to keep his coveted position in the first team.