Four-time Paralympian and nine-time medalist (eight gold, one silver) winning three gold in 1998 (Nagano), two gold in 1994 (Lillehammer), two gold and one silver in 1992 (Albertville) and one gold in 1988 (Innsbruck)...10-time World Championships medalist (nine gold, one silver) winning three gold each in 1990, 1996 and 2000...Four-time gold medalist at the European Championships.

Born: Ii, Finland
Residence: Ii, Finland
Nickname: "Hiivio"
Previous/Maiden Names: Tervonen
Education: Social sciences of sport
Occupation: Physical education instructor, student
Sporting Relatives: Heidi POYKIO (figure skater), Tuomas TERVONEN (Finnish baseball)
Languages: Finnish, Swedish, English
Start In Sport: "I love competing and wonderful white snow -- is there anything else?!"
Club: Iin Hiihtoseura
Personal Coach: Arja NUOLIOJA
National Coach: Tuomas TORRONEN
Years On National Team: 10
Most Memorable Sporting Achievements: 1998 Nagano Games -- three gold medals
Hobbies: Music, telemark, canoeing
Most Influential Person: Mother
Most Admired Person: Mother
Nature/Cause Of Disability: From birth
Injuries: Knee operation and two ankle ligament operations
Honors/Awards: Best disabled athlete in 1998

 
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