Ilkka Herola: Champion in Unconventional Gear
In the world of ski racing, few details stand out quite like the oversized ski goggles worn by Ilkka Herola, a seasoned combined athlete gearing up for his fourth Olympic Games in Milan-Cortina. At first glance, his striking choice may raise eyebrows, but for Herola, there’s function over form in every facet of his gear.
“My head has been exposed for so long that it looks pretty rough,” Herola remarked, displaying a nonchalance towards his unconventional look. “I really couldn’t care less; these goggles are coming with me until I hang up my skis for good.”
To describe these goggles as mere eyewear would be misleading—they’re more accurately termed “plexes.” “People often ask why I stick with these,” he explained. “I’ve grown accustomed to the visor. If visibility becomes an issue during a race, I can simply lift it, and the strap keeps it secure.”
Herola has gone through three sets of these signature plexes, with his current pair in use since the start of 2023. “It seems I can see better, and there are no limitations,” he added, reassuring himself that it’s simply a matter of adaptation.
Interestingly, some athletes may critique the aesthetic of his choice. “Eero Hirvonen is quite particular with his look—he changes his goggles almost daily based on conditions,” he noted, shedding light on the spectrum of competitive approaches.
Yet, Herola remains flexible, often opting for traditional ski goggles during training sessions when the stakes are lower.
Chasing Medals in Milan-Cortina
As he prepares for the upcoming Olympic events, Herola is forthright about his ambitions. “No matter how many times you’ve participated in the Olympics, there’s always a unique thrill that accompanies it,” he shared. “A medal is the ultimate goal.” Having finished as the silver medalist in the combined normal hill at the 2021 World Championships, he’s determined to add to his accolades.
Herola, representing the Puijo Ski Club, debuted this season with a commendable third place finish at the World Cup opener in Ruka, a venue close to his heart. “It’s the only podium finish I’ve had so far this season, but my form has been steady throughout the winter,” he remarked.
With ten top-ten finishes this year, including that podium performance, Herola currently sits seventh in the overall World Cup standings. “I have no issues with jumping or skiing,” he highlighted, though he acknowledged a persistent challenge: achieving success in both disciplines on the same day.
Looking ahead, the combined normal hill event is scheduled for Wednesday, followed by the large hill race on the following Tuesday. As excitement builds for the competition, one thing remains clear: whether through his unique gear or competitive spirit, Ilkka Herola is a force to be reckoned with on the slopes of Milan-Cortina.