Kerttu Niskanen

Kerttu Niskanen is a two-time Olympic medalist after competing in both the 2014 and 2018 Winter games. She represented Finland on the world stage in the cross-country skiing events and left Sochi, Sweden decorated in two silver medals for her performance in the team sprint, as well as the 4 x 5 km relay: her specialty. She even almost podiumed in an individual discipline, earning fourth place in the 30 km freestyle at her Olympic debut.

Niskanen has been competing since 2008 and impressed audiences during 2010 when she took home gold in the Junior World Championships. The following year, she had similar success, earning another gold for her sprint, as well as a bronze for her classic race.

Shortly after, Niskanen moved up to the big leagues. She’s earned individual podiums in nine World Cups, two of which beings golds (10 km mass start in Switzerland and 10 km individual in Italy). In addition, she’s also podiumed with her team five times: all of which, were in the 4 x 5 km relay discipline. During 2014, right before her Olympic debut, she held third place in the distance World Cup season standings.

After her 2014 Olympic success, she earned her spot again in the 2018 Winter games in Pyeongchang, South Korea, where she got fourth in the 4 x 5 km relay, close to podiuming. Her brother, Iivo Niskanen, also competed in the men’s category during both these years, coming home a two-time Champion, proving athleticism runs in the family.

As for the World Championships, she has two bronze medals, both from her performance in the 4 x 5 km relay. Currently, she competes for the ski club, Vieremän Koitto.