Matti Nykänen 1963 – 2019

Biography

Matti Nykänen was born on July 17, 1963, in Jyväskylä, Finland, where he would develop a lifelong connection to his hometown. He pursued a career as a ski jumper, dedicating himself to a sport that demands both technical precision and remarkable courage. His athletic journey took him across Finland and beyond, representing his country in a sport deeply rooted in Finnish tradition.

On February 4, 2019, Matti passed away in Joutseno at the age of fifty-five, following complications from pancreatitis. His death marked the end of a chapter in Finnish sports history. In keeping with his roots, he was laid to rest at Jyväskylä’s old cemetery, returning to the city where his life began.

Matti Nykänen’s legacy remains connected to the sport of ski jumping and to his native Jyväskylä, where he is remembered as part of the region’s athletic heritage.