OKM presented three models for the development of elite sports – the role of the Olympic Committee varies significantly

Ministry of Education and Culture On Wednesday, OKM presented three alternative models for the development of Finnish elite sports. The model of an independent elite sports organization would require a major structural change. The Finnish Olympic Committee model would retain the responsibility for guiding elite sports in the Olympic Committee.

The third option is a Network-like operating environment model, where elite sports would be managed by a consortium formed by the Olympic training centers and the elite sports institute Kihu. In the model, the role of the Olympic Committee would be reduced to the tasks of the competition and support organization.

The models are based on the civil service survey started by OKM in September, which mapped the current situation, needs for change and possible ways to make operations more efficient. The need for clarification was triggered by the shy success of the Paris 2024 Olympics.

“Now is the time to look far into the future and create a change based on long-term commitment, more effective utilization of top sports research and strong international cooperation. We have to raise the bar, put athletes in the center and aim for Finnish elite sports to return to the top of international success”, Minister of Sports, Sports and Youth Sandra Bergqvist stated in the ministry’s announcement.

In the investigation athletes, coaches and other actors were consulted. External evaluations of top sports and para-top sports were also used in the situation mapping. The Ministry’s tools also included the Olympic Committee’s summary of the completed Olympics and the Olympic Committee’s action proposal.

Based on the investigation, no less than seven operational models were initially developed, of which three possible operational methods have now been summarized.

“Our goal is to initiate the necessary changes during the spring of 2025 so that the new operating model could be in use from the beginning of 2026. The central task of the ministry is to ensure that all parties are ready and committed to the change, so that the competitiveness of Finnish elite sports can be restored,” Minister Bergqvist said.

Olympic Committee chairman Petteri Kilpinen assured on Wednesday that the sports field is ready for changes.

“The Olympic Committee and the sports community are ready for a bold change, and the ministry’s report came up with really good proposals that support the direction we also want to go. Now all parties need to come to the same table to agree on roles and tasks,” Kilpinen commented on the development prospects of elite sports in the Olympic Committee’s press release.

Kilpinen emphasized the cooperation behind the solutions and at the same time confirmed the need for change.

“We are on our way back to the top and this journey has been started in cooperation with the sports community and OKM. Returning to the top requires bold solutions and major reforms aiming in the same direction,” continued Kilpinen.

“The current method of operation has not produced the desired results, so we at the Olympic Committee are more than ready to reform our operations and have already begun to do so strongly. It’s great that OKM supports this path of renewal and shares our view on the need for reform.”

The change proposals presented to the ministry by the Olympic Committee include streamlining the organization and operation of the elite sports unit, establishing a new elite sports steering group, more effective monitoring of changes and results, and more effective support for elite athletes.

“It’s clear that Finnish elite sports now need tightening and a new level of requirements,” Kilpinen summed up the Olympic Committee’s presentation.