Ski star Iivo Niskanen expecting third child

Finnish cross-country skiing champion Iivo Niskanen is expecting his third child with his wife, Saana Niskanen. The couple shared the happy news on Instagram on Tuesday. They are already parents to a son born in December 2022 and a daughter born in September 2024.

Niskanen, 34, has previously spoken about the significant sacrifices his family has made for his demanding career. In an emotional interview following his withdrawal from the 50-kilometer race at the Olympics due to illness, he revealed that his children had not attended daycare and his wife had been managing their care at home. He noted that the children had limited social interaction, seeing friends mainly outdoors.

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The children have not been in daycare for a single day, and Saana has taken care of them at home all winter. The children have only seen their friends outdoors in recent months.

Despite speculation about his career's end after the Olympics, Niskanen has indicated his intention to continue competing. He aims to participate in the 2029 World Championships in Lahti, his home country. He even hinted at potentially extending his career further if he achieves a World Championship gold medal next year, suggesting a possible additional year leading up to the Olympics.

Niskanen's decorated career includes three Olympic gold medals and one World Championship gold. The upcoming arrival of their third child adds another chapter to his personal life as he continues to pursue athletic excellence.

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Permission has come from home to continue until Lahti. And if a World Championship gold comes next year, then it would be a more favorable situation to negotiate one more extension year to the Olympics.