The tragic hunting accident involving Finnish biathlon talent Arttu Heikkinen in September 2024 may have to be retried in court. The former junior world champion is appealing against the verdict handed down a few weeks ago.
As the Finnish radio station “Yle” reports, the tragic hunting accident in which the young biathlete Arttu Heikkinen and his godfather were involved around a year ago could end up in court again. The 21-year-old former junior world champion has therefore appealed and is demanding a renegotiation.
Heikkinen hit his godfather in both the head and upper body with a shot from his shotgun. His relative subsequently became blind in one eye and also suffered other minor injuries.
Biathlon talent convicted of serious bodily harm
Heikkinen assured the court at the first hearing that it was an accident and that his godfather was not on the agreed route at the time the shot was fired. However, the court recognized the biathlete’s negligent behavior and found him guilty of grievous bodily harm and violating hunting rules.
Heikkinen was subsequently sentenced to a fine of 70 daily rates and an additional fine of 6,800 euros. According to Yle, the responsible appeal court will decide at a later date whether the case will be heard again.
Biathlon career in danger?
Since there is still no final verdict due to the appeal, Heikkinen will remain part of the Finnish biathlon team for the time being. Association head Jaakko Puurula confirmed this to “Yle”. “For now we will carry on as normal,” he said.
If Heikkinen’s appeal is unsuccessful, the whole matter could have serious consequences for his sporting career. Finnish law states that authorities have the right to confiscate the firearm license for such offenses. In this case, the biathlete is not allowed to use a rifle either at home or abroad. In the worst case scenario, he would then have to put his career as a ski hunter on hold.