MATTI NYKÄNEN (1963-2019)

Today I was so shocked when I heard the news in the morning. Something very unexpected were happened. My childhood idol and one of the biggest legends: ski jumper Matti Nykänen was dead at the age of 55. I couldn’t believe it! He was still young man and he seemed to be getting his life (almost) fixed and right after that he had to leave. It’s so sad…

I was wondering what did happened to him cause everything should have been ok. Later I heard he had fall on roof top when he was shoveling snow. Obviously he did hurt his selves but did not go to doctor.

On Friday he had still singing gig in bar. (He have been singing at bars for years after his sport career). It remained his last perform.

Matti was five time Olympic medalist -four time gold medalist-. He had 14 world Champion chip medals, 22 Finnish champion chip medals and four Ski jumping world Cup gold medals.

When I was little girl at 80’s we were watching his competitions with my family on our picture tube tv. I didn’t know much about life at that time but I admired Matti and was so exited when he was jumping. That excitement was all for me. It made living special! Matti made my life special! He was charismatic person (though he was also broken, nervous and shy man who sometimes made wrong desicions). Still he was and always will be whole nations Matti!

One legend is gone again! There will never be another Matti! He flyes now in heaven only!

This is my favorite song of my childhood…

Rough translation:

How does it feel up in the tower

as the crowd is awaiting below?
Is your trajectory on spot today?
How does it look from above?
Do the flags of Finland wave
or have the winds calmed down altogether?

Fly Matti Nykänen, fly
Fly Matti Nykänen
Come back alive

Good tracks help you
They guide you down
Is your take-off on spot today?
Hear the crowd shout
As over the critical point
you’re expected to jump

Fly Matti Nykänen, fly
Fly Matti Nykänen
Come back alive

See the look of the people
as they adore you
As they expect you to win
As you prepare for the jump
the spirit goes to the roof
Will the jump take you long?

Fly Matti Nykänen, fly
Fly Matti Nykänen
Don’t come back drunk