Minna Ylinen & Viivi Martin – Finding Confidence on the International Stage

4 jan, 18:24

For Finnish shooters Minna Ylinen of Satuakunnan Ampujat and Viivi Martin from Kyrkslätt Skytteförening, the Swedish Cup represents both challenge and opportunity – and, in Minna’s case, a welcome return.

Minna first competed at the Swedish Cup last year, an experience that left a strong impression. The atmosphere, the setting and the international feel of the competition made her eager to come back. For Viivi, this year marked her debut. The idea to travel to Sweden was born at a competition back home in Finland, where the two met and began talking about how exciting it would be to compete together at the Swedish Cup.

The format of the competition plays a big role in how the event is experienced. With three consecutive days of competition, it demands both physical and mental endurance. Viivi describes how the first days can feel uncomfortable as the body and mind settle into the rhythm, while the third day often brings a sense of release and improved performance. Minna agrees, pointing out that this type of multi-day international competition is rare in Finland. Competing for three days in a row challenges not only technique, but focus, patience and mental strength.

Training and development have looked different for the two shooters over the past year. Minna has had to manage physical setbacks, including tennis elbow, which has limited her training. Recently, however, she has begun to feel that shooting is becoming easier again. Viivi, on the other hand, identifies her biggest challenge as mental rather than physical. Nerves and focus are areas she actively works on, and for her, the solution lies in competing more often and continuing to build mental resilience. At this level, she believes, mental strength is essential.

Dealing with difficult moments during competition is something both shooters know well. Viivi admits that poor shots happen more often than she would like, but stresses the importance of staying positive and maintaining a good attitude. For Minna, recovery is about perspective: reminding herself that it is only one shot or one series, and that the next shots can always be better. A positive mindset, she says, makes everything easier.

When asked what advice they would give themselves ahead of their very first Swedish Cup, both return to the same theme. Viivi would remind herself to enjoy competing and not treat everything as overly serious. Minna echoes that thought, adding that being part of an international competition is something to appreciate. For her, it’s also about talking to people, being social and embracing the full experience beyond the firing line.

Quick Fire Questions

Minna Ylinen