The sprint World Cup leader has now announced that she is considering retiring—already next year. “I have other dreams in life too,” she says.

Jasmi Joensuu – World Cup Leader

Finnish ski star Jasmi Joensuu is leading the sprint World Cup ahead of Jonna Sundling. At 28 years old, she is in the midst of the best season of her career so far.

Joensuu has had a major breakthrough this season: She secured her first World Cup podium in December during this year’s Tour de Ski and claimed her first World Cup victory just two weeks ago.

As long as she stays injury-free and healthy, all signs point to Joensuu winning the overall sprint World Cup this season. If she does, she will become the first Finnish winner since Virpi Kuitunen in the 2006/07 season.

“Honestly, I never thought I would be leading the sprint World Cup for more than one race. The level among the top sprinters is incredibly high, and so many things have to fall into place to stay competitive”, says to Langd.se the World Cup leader, adding:

“Even though there are a few small things here and there, I am incredibly satisfied with my results.”

Also Read: Finland wins women’s team sprint at the Cogne World Cup

World Cup Leader Retirement as Early as Next Year

Now, however, Joensuu has dropped a bombshell: She is contemplating retirement as early as next year. In an interview with the Finnish newspaper Iltalehti, she made the shocking revelation.

“I have other dreams in life besides cross-country skiing. I am aware that I am not that young anymore. The Winter Olympics next season is the most important championship of my career. But after that, I have to consider whether I want to continue”, says Joensuu, who has been fully committed to skiing since 2020.

This statement starkly contrasts what everyone expected—that the rising star would at least continue her career through the 2029 World Championships on home soil in Lahti.

“I don’t want to say it outright, but I am fully focused on giving everything next season, and then I will decide whether to continue my skiing career”, she states.

What is certain, however, is that Jasmi Joensuu remains one of the top favorites and Jonna Sundling’s biggest rival for the sprint at the World Championships in Trondheim at the end of February.