The great and the good of Finland’s sporting world gathered in Helsinki to reward those responsible for the highlights of the previous year.
The evening was dominated by the smiling figure of Iivo Niskanen, who along with his team-mate Sami Jauhojärvi took gold in the team sprint freestyle event at the Sochi Olympics.
They were named sports personalities of the year, and took the award for the sporting moment of the year. Niskanen also got the ‘breakthrough of the year’ award.
In second spot for sportsperson of the year, which is voted on by the sports journalists of Finland, was javelin thrower Antti Ruuskanen, who won the European Championship gold medal. Biathlon star Kaisa Mäkäräinen, who won the World Cup in 2014, came third.
The men’s volleyball team was also recognised, with coach Tuomas Sammelvuo taking home the coach of the year award. HJK Helsinki’s back office was recognised with the sports marketing prize.
