“The inspiration came from Norway’s Olympiatoppen model,“ nordic combined athlete Kristjan Ilves explained. „While we’re training here in Kääriku, they’re currently at the Canary Islands. Maybe they’re working in a different climate and scope, but we’ve started something important. Our athletes are spread around the world, which means we have a wealth of experience to share with one another. I truly hope this becomes a tradition that benefits Estonian sport as a whole.”
The camp was officially opened by Olympic champion and EOK Vice President Gerd Kanter, who emphasized the unique nature of the Olympic year:
“The Olympic Games are the event where everyone wants to give their very best. Estonians are passionate about sport — your efforts truly matter to us. I hope you make smart use of this final year: train hard, push yourselves, and enjoy this Olympic journey together.”
Considering that the Milano–Cortina Games will take place across six different Olympic Villages, the camp in Kääriku provided a rare opportunity for athletes to meet and connect before the competition begins.
Freestyle skier and Beijing Olympic bronze medalist Kelly Sildaru said the biggest value of the camp was the chance to engage with fellow athletes she hadn’t met before:
“I think this camp is really cool and definitely brings athletes together. I already know some winter athletes, but not all, and this was a great way to socialize and have fun together.”
Figure skating European Champion Niina Petrõkina especially
enjoyed the joint training sessions, which were led by group trainer Enn
Meiesaar and racewalker Virgo Adusoo:
“I got such a good feeling from this! I’d love to have more camps like this, where we try out new sports together and pick up something useful for our own training. After that racewalking session, I think I’ll discover new muscles tomorrow I didn’t even know I had,” she laughed.
Over the course of the camp, Olympic candidates participated in knowledge-sharing sessions on the specifics of the Milano Cortina Games, as well as various engaging group activities aimed at strengthening team spirit.
Organizational aspects of the Games were introduced by Estonian Olympic Committee (EOC) representatives Martti Raju, Merili Luuk, and Margus Kiiver. Anti-doping and ethical sports issues were addressed by Marit Jukk, Head of Testing at the Estonian Anti-Doping and Sports Ethics Foundation, and Teele Tiidt, Head of Education and Communications, who engaged athletes in scenario-based discussions.
EOC President Kersti Kaljulaid and Athletes’ Commission member Johanna Talihärm highlighted the importance of international engagement and athlete representation at the highest level.
Sports physician Pii Metsavas focused on the most common health concerns faced by winter athletes and how to prevent them, while sports psychologist Snežana Stoljarova helped athletes reflect on their Olympic experience and build mental readiness for elite competition.
The Milano–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games will be held from February 6 to 22. As of now, Estonia is expected to be represented by more than 30 athletes across 12 disciplines, including freestyle skiing, figure skating, Nordic combined, luge, speed skating, curling, snowboarding, biathlon, cross-country skiing, alpine skiing, skeleton, and ski jumping. The final team will be confirmed on January 19.