In his career, the United man has received a total of 237,500 euros in tax-free sports grants. Prize money from the World Cup in ten years has become more than 300,000 euros.
Ilkka Herola is covered by the Ministry of Education and Culture’s large athlete grant. Jenni Gästgivar
When the two most recent Winter Olympics are taken as the time span and the government’s tax-free athlete grant is taken as a measure, the man of the combined Ilkka Herola30, has been Finland’s most supported Winter Sports athlete.
– Grants have been a significant part. They have brought security and foundation to this work. Such a feeling of security is also quite important mentally, Herola commented.
Siilinjärvi school has received an athlete grant from the Ministry of Education and Culture since 2016 with a maximum amount of 20,000 euros per season.
– It goes to living when it comes in the form of a salary every month. With the grant, you can secure a basic income and do sports without compromise. You can organize your everyday life so that you have time, sufficient support networks and supplies to do the job professionally, says Herola.
Solid results
Ilkka Herola has made a nice account in the World Cup. PDO
In the years 2013–15, Herola received a medium-sized grant from the state, i.e. 10,000 euros per year.
For the first time, the athlete was eligible for support in 2012. At that time, he received a small grant of 7,500 euros.
The total pot is therefore 237,500 euros.
– This is how it goes in Finland, Herola states.
– If it’s not handled like that, then it’s usually the case that you’re on the payroll of some government institution, he adds and refers to the fact that, for example, in Central Europe, athletes of many skiing sports “work” in the border guard, customs or the police.
Herola has been in the overall World Cup competition in the years 2016–25, i.e. during the period when he has been covered by a large athlete grant, in places 5–13.
– There hasn’t been an acute fear that I won’t get a big grant. The profit level has remained steady for a long time, Herola states.
– Of course, there has been a feeling that it would be good to be surrounded by support. I have been in a fortunate position since a very young age, he adds.
When awarding the scholarship, the athlete’s success in prestigious international competitions, the level of results and success development in relation to the international level and development of the sport, and the athlete’s financial status are taken into account.
Prize euros
Ilkka Herola won the Olympic bronze in the combined suurmäki in February. Pasi Liesimaa
The grant is not awarded to athletes whose taxable income in the latest confirmed taxation exceeds EUR 60,000, or whose financial position is otherwise sufficiently secured.
That’s why, for example Kerttu Niskanen, Iivo Niskanen and Krista Pärmäkoski have not received an athlete grant in recent years.
– Combined is such a sport that you don’t talk about millions, no matter how successful you are, Herola says.
During the 2016–25 seasons, Herola has earned a total of approximately 303,000 euros in prize money from the World Cup. This season, 35,100 euros have entered the account.
The most prize money a man has won in a single season from the World Cup is around 54,600 euros (in the 2024–25 season).
– I haven’t incorporated the activity, and I can’t afford to do so at this age.
In addition to the athlete grant and prizes, Herola has received euros from its partners. He says that in the 2025–26 season there will be fifty significant sponsors.
