Born: 1990 (Kuusamo, Finland)
Biography:
Enni Eriika Rukajärvi was born on May 13, 1990, in Kuusamo, Finland. She is a Finnish snowboarder who has made a significant impact on the sport, winning numerous championships and earning multiple Olympic medals.
Rukajärvi’s journey in snowboarding began at the age of ten when she first took to the slopes. Her natural talent quickly became evident, and she soon began competing at a high level. In 2008, she won bronze in the World Junior Championships in big air, showcasing her potential as a rising star in the sport.
In the following years, Rukajärvi continued to impress with her skills and determination. In 2010, she claimed victory in both slopestyle and big air at the Junior World Championships. This success laid the foundation for her future accomplishments on the international stage.
A defining moment in Rukajärvi’s career came in January 2011 when she became the first slopestyle world champion in the history of the discipline. This historic win took place in La Molina, Spain, and cemented her status as one of the best snowboarders in the world.
Rukajärvi’s talent and dedication were further recognized when she won a silver medal in slopestyle at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. This achievement marked a significant milestone for Finnish snowboarding, as Rukajärvi became the first Finnish snowboarder to win an Olympic medal in slopestyle.
Continuing her success, Rukajärvi won two World Championship silver medals in 2016, one in slopestyle and the other in big air. She also won silver in big air at the 2017 World Championships. At the 2018 Winter Olympics, she added another Olympic medal to her collection, winning bronze in slopestyle. Notably, Rukajärvi became the first Finnish snowboarder to win an Olympic medal at two consecutive Olympics.
Throughout her career, Rukajärvi has consistently performed at a high level in various competitions. She secured second place overall in the Slopestyle World Cup in the 2012-2013 season and fourth place in the 2016-2017 season. In the Big Air Cup, she achieved a sixth-place finish in the 2019-2020 season. She has also triumphed in four World Cup races, showcasing her versatility and consistency.
Despite her dedication to the sport, Rukajärvi’s accomplishments extend beyond competitive snowboarding. She was awarded as the role model of the year at the Finnish Sports Gala in 2017, recognizing her influence and inspiration to aspiring athletes.
Rukajärvi’s impact on Finnish snowboarding has been recognized by sports journalists, who have consistently chosen her as the Finnish snowboarder of the year in 2011, 2014, and 2018. Her contributions to the sport have undoubtedly shaped its development in Finland and beyond.
Beyond her sporting achievements, Rukajärvi has also made her mark in the entertainment industry. In 2011, she served as a stand-in for the lead actress in the romantic comedy film Chalet Girl, which prominently featured snowboarding.
Enni Rukajärvi’s dedication, talent, and remarkable achievements have established her as one of Finland’s most successful snowboarders. Her impact on the sport, as well as her determination and perseverance, make her a true inspiration to athletes around the world.
Awards:
– Junior World Champion in slopestyle and big air (2010)
– Bronze medal in World Junior Championships in big air (2008)
– Slopestyle World Champion (2011)
– Silver medal in slopestyle at the Sochi Olympics (2014)
– Two silver medals at the WST Tour World Championships in slopestyle and big air (2016)
– Silver medal in big air at the World Championships (2017)
– Bronze medal in slopestyle at the Winter Olympics (2018)
– Role model of the year at the Finnish Sports Gala (2017)
– Finnish snowboarder of the year (2011, 2014, 2018)