Inkki Inola targets first Paralympic medal at Milano-Cortina 2026

If there's a quintessential Finnish sports story, it's this one: Inkki Inola. Many of us have been following his journey to the top of the world for years, and now he's closer than ever. Inola is no longer a promising newcomer – he's ready to break through where nothing less than a medal will do: the Paralympics.

The Milano-Cortina 2026 Games have been firmly in Inola's sights for a long time. He's said himself that everything he does is geared towards that one day on the Italian snow. And when you look at his performances over recent seasons, you can only nod in agreement. Inkki Inola has been gathering knowledge from World Cups and World Championships, and now it's time to harness that experience for the ultimate prize – his first Paralympic medal on his debut appearance.

Inola's coaches have been full of praise for his training motivation. When others rest, he's out skiing. When others celebrate, he's thinking about the next interval. That's that classic Finnish grit, the kind you can't do without if you want to snag a Paralympic medal. And now, all the pieces seem to be clicking into place. Word from his inner circle is that the training season has gone exceptionally well – no major illnesses or setbacks. Now it's just about waiting for his body to unleash everything that's been put into it during those long, dark training sessions.

The Finnish Paralympic Committee has named Inkki Inola as one of their key athletes for Milano-Cortina. And it's no wonder. As a cross-country skier, he's proven he can challenge even the traditional powerhouses in the sport. Last season, he finished fourth and fifth at the World Championships, but now he's chasing that final polish. It takes performing on the day, and that's where Inola excels. Those in the know within the sport are tipping this as the season a Finn finally makes the podium. If his body holds up and the skis run fast, it's entirely possible.

Here are three reasons why Inola is a genuine medal chance:

• Peak physical condition: Inola has tested as more explosive and more durable than ever. The results are looking promising.
• International experience: He's past getting nervous about the event or the setting. Inola has learned to read races and pace himself effectively.
• Mental toughness: A sports psychologist and his trusted support team have helped build a competitive mindset that can handle the pressure. This is exactly what will make the difference when the medals are on the line on that Tuesday night.

Plenty of experts are tipping Inola to be ready for the podium. I believe he'll do it in style. When we're watching the Italian slopes in February 2026, we'll have every reason to be on the edge of our seats. And here's the best part – this is just the beginning. Inkki Inola is only 28 years old, and his career is on the rise. Milano-Cortina will be his first Games, but it certainly won't be his last.

We Kiwis love a story where the battler gets rewarded. Inkki Inola is one of those rare athletes with both the talent and the willpower to turn that story into a medal. Fingers crossed the snow falls at just the right time over in Italy – and that Inola gets that medal he so richly deserves around his neck.