Janne Lahtela and Ikuma Horishima Sharpen Their Olympic Focus in Levi
One of the world’s most successful mogul skiers, Janne Lahtela from Kemijärvi, returned to his home region early in the winter to coach Japan’s top athlete Ikuma Horishima.
Levi’s reliable snow conditions and peaceful setting provided the perfect environment for focused, individual training ahead of the upcoming Olympic season.
When it comes to mogul skiing’s top names, Janne Lahtela and Ikuma Horishima represent two generations of excellence – one a Finnish Olympic champion, the other Japan’s current superstar. What unites them is a shared drive for constant improvement and the pursuit of perfection on snow.
Lahtela, who won Olympic gold in Salt Lake City in 2002 and silver in Nagano in 1998, has led Japan’s national team since 2014. In Levi, he coached his protégé Horishima as the athlete prepares for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
“Levi meets all the criteria for reliable conditions and technically high-quality slopes. Early in the season, we need a place where snow is guaranteed and training can continue regardless of the weather – that’s why we come here,” Lahtela explains.
Horishima, a world champion and Olympic bronze medallist, is one of the biggest names in the sport. With his eyes on Milano Cortina 2026, his training in Levi served as an important step towards the coming season.
“On our first evening, the northern lights were shining above us – it felt like a welcome greeting,” Horishima recalls.
“The snow was perfect, the temperature just right, and the conditions exactly as I wanted. Here, I could return to snow calmly and rediscover my rhythm.”
A Collaboration Between Two Champions
Horishima says he values Lahtela’s calm, detail-oriented approach to coaching.
“I’ve known Janne since I was about 15 years old. Now I get to learn from him every day – not only about skiing but also about how to think and live as an athlete. He pays attention to the smallest details, and that’s what makes the difference between good and great,” he says.
As the Olympics draw closer, Horishima focuses on keeping his mindset clear and his passion alive.
“I’ve competed in two Olympic Games already, so I know how much emotion and expectation comes with it. My goal is simply to do my best and enjoy every run. If I can hold on to that feeling, I’ll be ready for Milano,” he adds.
Japan’s strength in mogul skiing lies in its broad talent base and strong internal competition, which, according to Lahtela, keeps the athletes constantly evolving.
“There are so many talented skiers in Japan, and that keeps the level high. Ikuma is exceptionally skilled – he controls his skis perfectly and works incredibly hard to keep improving,” Lahtela notes.
When asked what advice he would give to young Finnish skiers, Lahtela’s answer is simple:
“Enjoy skiing. If you do something with passion, it will take you far – all the way to the top.”
