Susanna decides to end her career

18.03.2010

I have taken the decision to end the 25-year duration of my career as a figure skater in the spring of 2010.

Last six years I have fought against the lower back problem and I consider it as the main cause of end of top level sport. In addition, I recognize also that the competitive sport under any circumstances, is eternal and I want to take responsibility for the future, educational side. My first goal is to be completed during the summer of Oulu Vocational College in the sector of artisans. I begin in the autumn of the Finnish language studies at the University of Oulu. At the same time I begin a new journey, exploring the potential for the academic world. In the future I am also interested in consultant, promotional and educational functions, as I want to share the skills I have learnt.

My career as an figure skater began in December 1985 as the inspiration of my elder sister Heidi who also worked last four seasons as my coach. The earliest experience of the competition I had at the age of 6. The first Finnish Championships I won at age 14. International skating career began a few years later. I think the greatest achievements are 12 Finnish Championships medals, of which 8 is the gold, a bronze medal in World Junior Championships (2001), European Championship silver medal (2005), European Championship bronze medal (2009) and eighth place in World Championships. Turin Olympics achievement was 13.

I would like to convey special thanks to my family, friends and relatives of life-long support and encouragement as well as the most important coaches of my successful career Tarja Tawast, Ardo Rennik, Berit Kaijomaa, Heidi Pöykiö, Eila Maunu, Outi Martikainen and Henrik Walentin. I would like to thank also my doctors Harri Hakkarainen, Petri Helenius and physiotherapists Jukka Kangas and Jarmo Ahonen. In addition, thanks go to those professionals who have randomly helped me and for the enthusiastic followers that have been involved in the moments of success and failures. I truly want to address my thanks to stakeholders, my skating club in Oulu, the city of Oulu, Finnish Figure Skating Association, Finnish Olympic Committee and all the partners who have created a framework and economic conditions to develop myself as an athlete and all of the many events and moments in which the sport world has offered me. 

Susanna