Nokian Tyres to support alpine skier Erika Pykäläinen on her way to the Winter Olympics: "I've always been very competitive"

Our cooperation with Erika covers the visibility on the competition outfit during the season, and to competitions Erika is naturally transported with safe Nokian Tyres® winter tires.

Erika has won numerous Finnish championship medals in her career, and she made her debut in the World Cup already in 2018. In 2022, Erika participated in the Winter Olympics in Beijing, and last season she achieved a podium finish in the European Cup. But how did the young athlete end up in alpine skiing?

"I ended up in alpine skiing thanks to my parents' enthusiasm for skiing. They took me to the slopes more or less before I could walk properly, when I was just over two years old," Erika says.

"What attracts me about alpine skiing is the feeling of flow, when all the turns are just right, and the adrenaline courses through the veins," Erika describes.

Erika's enthusiasm for competing was also awakened at a very young age.

"I've always been very competitive, and I had to try to beat my brother, who was a couple of years older, in any sport. I think my first competition was a slalom at a ski school when I was five years old. I won and the trophy was so valuable to little Erika that I took it with me even to daycare," Erika recalls.

Erika describes herself as goal-oriented and eager to win.

"However, under the shell there is a sensitive and emotional athlete, which makes this journey even more valuable."

The goals for the season are clear: to achieve World Cup podiums. She is also aiming for the next Winter Olympics in Italy:

"To become a legend means having an Olympic medal around your neck, so that's on my to-do list," Erika says about her goal.

Outside the slopes, Erika does crossfit.

"I also do some school courses in my free time, because I want to learn new things and develop myself."

Snow and ice are familiar elements to alpine skiers – just like for Nokian Tyres. For winter driving, Erika advises equipping yourself not only with safe winter tires but also with patience:

 "Winter driving must be safe. In the winter, you have to make sure that you are alert and focused on driving, and check that the tires and the car are in good condition."

Erika is already looking forward to the season  with the Nokian Tyres logo on her outfit:

"It's great to be able to support the visibility of Finnish winter expertise and I'm looking forward to the start of the upcoming season, which is already on 25^th of October in Sölden."

We wish Erika good luck and success for the season!