Figure Skating: Top Coach Anu Oksanen Explains Why She Left HSK After Only Two Months

Finland’s sports ethics center will not complete its investigation into Helsinki’s synchronized skating club, Helsingfors Skridskoklubb, as early as previously expected. Investigation chief Jouko Ikonen said the inquiry’s broad scope means it is now intended to finish during 2026.

The center began investigating serious allegations of ethical violations involving HSK, former head coach Mirjami Penttinen and other club officials. It first received contacts about the matter in December 2025. In early March 2026, Helsingin Sanomat reported allegations of inappropriate behavior by Penttinen toward skaters.

Penttinen received a one-year competition ban from the Finnish Figure Skating Association’s disciplinary board in 2020 for inappropriate conduct. Four athletes and four parents later told Helsingin Sanomat that the conduct continued and involved underage athletes. Helsinki subsequently suspended about 29,000 euros in city support connected with HSK’s activities and use of facilities.

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In the investigation into the HSK case, we are hearing comprehensively from different parties and their views. Because of the numerous contacts, the investigation is broad, and the goal is to complete it during 2026.

Miika Kyllönen, head of the city’s sports partnership unit, said the goal is to resolve the club’s funding situation at a sports committee meeting on October 29. The deadline for decisions on this year’s grants is the end of the year. HSK chairman Mikael Nyberg said the club has so far managed without city support because of its stable finances.

The club has also commissioned its own external review by consulting firm Bravers. A summary seen by the newspaper said 31 skaters who trained in the junior team between 2024 and 2026 were interviewed. About 65%, or roughly 20 athletes, described the coaching as demanding, direct and consistent with elite sport. They said high expectations and strict feedback brought clarity, motivation and rapid development.

The remaining 35%, roughly 10 skaters, said they had experienced or witnessed insecurity, psychological pressure or fear linked to the coaching environment. Some described a division between committed skaters and those viewed as “problematic,” and said the coaches’ language reinforced it in certain situations. Anu Oksanen, who was hired by HSK in the spring, says she left after disagreements over coaching views. Penttinen’s family members now serve as head coaches of the club’s top teams.

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As a last resort, we have until the end of this year, by which time decisions on this year’s grants must be made at the latest.