Rowing ambassador Minna Nieminen

Rowing is a Matter of the Heart for Minna Nieminen – “I Want to Help People Discover the Joy of Rowing”

Rowing is something Minna Nieminen could talk about endlessly. The Olympic and World Championship medalist is this year’s Sulkava Suursoudut rowing ambassador, tasked with introducing this fantastic sport to as many people as possible and encouraging them to take part in the event.

As the rowing ambassador, Minna’s role is to inspire, support, and motivate rowers of all levels, from beginners to seasoned veterans. For Minna, encouraging others to take up rowing and helping them participate in the Suursoudut is a cause close to her heart.
“It’s wonderful if someone who has never rowed before takes a brave step to try it out,”

Minna says. This year, Minna believes the conditions are particularly favorable for attracting new rowers, as Sulkava Suursoudut is offering routes of varying lengths for the first time. The 15-kilometer route is an excellent option for beginners, while experienced rowers can challenge themselves with the long King Course.

Who is Minna Nieminen?

Who is Minna Nieminen?
Minna Nieminen’s name is familiar to many rowing enthusiasts. Together with Sanna Stén, she made Finnish rowing history in 2005 by winning the first-ever women’s World Championship medal in traditional rowing. In the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Nieminen and Stén claimed silver in the lightweight double sculls.
“It was a humbling experience. I only realized later what we had achieved. That feeling
never fades,” Minna recalls. Although skiing was originally her main sport, rowing ultimately won her heart. “My skiing coach suggested I try rowing as summer training. I joined a rowing club in Lappeenranta, and before long, I was competing. Rowing completely captivated me, and it eventually became my primary sport,” Minna explains.

Minna competed in solo rowing around Partalansaari in 1997 and 1998, winning both years. In 1998, she also participated in the Finnish Championships for traditional rowing, finishing fourth. “I remember feeling frustrated at the finish line because I hadn’t pushed myself to exhaustion or given it my all. That feeling sparked it all for me.”
During her career, Minna not only earned an Olympic silver medal but also won three World Championship medals.

Nowadays, Minna works in child welfare and remains an active rower and skier. “Even though my competitive career is over, rowing is still a big part of my life. Last summer, I rekindled my passion for traditional rowing and joined the Lappeenranta Rowers. In the winter, I row on an indoor rowing machine on my backyard terrace. I always do my rowing workouts outdoors—the best temperature for rowing is around zero degrees,” Minna laughs.

Why is Rowing a Great Hobby?

According to Minna, rowing is a versatile sport that challenges the whole body. “Technique is everything. When the body and oars work in harmony, rowing is efficient and enjoyable. There’s always something new to learn in rowing, and that’s what makes it so fascinating.”

Rowing is not just about physical performance; it’s also a way to enjoy nature. “Water is a wonderful element, and the views from the water are entirely different than from land. Changing weather conditions add their own excitement to the sport,” Minna explains.

As a rowing ambassador, Minna also runs a rowing school at Tanhuvaara Sports Institute during the late winter. The rowing school is open to everyone. “The goal of the rowing school is to lower the threshold for participating in the Suursoudut. Indoor rowing is an excellent way to learn technique during the winter season. Everyone is welcome, whether you’re a beginner or more experienced,” Minna encourages.

Participants in the rowing school receive expert guidance and tips from Minna to improve their rowing technique.
“I want to help people discover the joy of rowing. If anyone needs extra support or advice, they can contact me through the Unelmien Kipinä website or Instagram,” Minna suggests.

Taking on the King’s Course in a Fixed-Seat Four

As a rowing ambassador, Minna Nieminen will be present at Sulkava Suursoudut throughout the weekend. However, she might not be at the stadium on Friday, as she plans to tackle the King Course in a fixed-seat four with her long-time rowing partner Sanna Stén. The fixed-seat four is a traditional wooden boat rowed by four people with a coxswain leading the crew. According to Minna, it’s like a smaller, more technical version of a church boat. “Fixed-seat fours were popular in the 1960s and 70s. Many are owned by factories and rowing clubs but have been left to gather dust in storage sheds,” Minna laments.

She hopes to revive interest in fixed-seat fours and challenges rowers to dig out these forgotten treasures and bring them back to the water.
“It would be amazing to see these beautiful boats back on the water. I hope many take up the challenge, as rowing a fixed-seat four can be a completely new experience for those used to other boat types,” Minna says. Minna adds one more incentive: “If anyone is inspired to row a fixed-seat four on Saturday during the rowing weekend, I’m ready to join as the coxswain.”

Why Should You Participate in Sulkava Suursoudut?

Minna Nieminen reminds us that Finland is the land of a thousand lakes, and every Finn should experience Sulkava Suursoudut at least once in their lifetime. She believes that the Suursoudut event can evoke the same feelings as competing in a World Championship.
“The emotions and sensations are similar, no matter the race or route. You might feel exhaustion and pain along the way, but crossing the finish line is indescribable. The joy and pride make it all worthwhile,” Minna describes.

For herself, Minna is looking forward to the encounters and connections with other rowing enthusiasts at Sulkava Suursoudut.

“The Suursoudut event brings together like-minded people and offers the chance to meet individuals you wouldn’t encounter anywhere else,” Minna says.

She encourages everyone to join the rowing fun. “Rowing in Sulkava Suursoudut offers challenges and the joy of accomplishment for everyone, whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned rower.”