Miika Kirmula: Precision, Potential, and the Pursuit of Gold

We are delighted to welcome Finnish orienteering star Miika Kirmula as our brand ambassador. Miika represents exactly what TRUE STORY stands for: commitment to the process, belief in potential, and trust in preparation.

With multiple Finnish Championship titles and medals from both World and European Championships already to his name, Miika has proven himself among the world’s best. Yet what defines him most is not what he has already achieved, but what continues to drive him forward.

The Medal That Meant the Most

When asked which result has felt the most meaningful so far, Miika says that his European Championship bronze from 2024 in Hungary holds a special place.

“It was a really emotional moment for me. I think the first individual international medal will always be the most important even if it’s not a gold medal.”

Still Chasing More

With major medals already secured, what keeps him pushing?

“Unlocking the full potential I know that I still have.”

That mindset says everything. For Miika, success is an ongoing process of refinement. The goal is not simply to win, but to discover how far he can go.

A Dream That Grew With Time

Sport has always been part of Miika’s life. Growing up in a family where athletics were natural and encouraged, movement was simply a way of living. But the dream of becoming a world champion took shape later.

“In the last years in junior classes when I started training properly, the dream to become world champion came to my life.”

Competing at a home World Orienteering Championships in Finland was part of that journey, not the end of it.

“The home WOC in 2025 was just one race in this process and I’m not ready.” The dream still remains alive.

The Turning Point

Every elite athlete remembers the moment belief became real.

For Miika, the first step came through success in junior competitions, claiming Finnish Championship titles and steadily closing the gap to the elite level. But 2019 marked a decisive leap.

“Finishing 4th in a World Cup race was the biggest step in elite classes.”

No Regrets, Only Progress

If he could change anything in his career?

“In the big picture I feel like there is nothing I would like to change, so I’m quite happy with this.”

Building Mental Strength

Asked what he wishes he had trained earlier, Miika answers:

“Mental toughness for sure. I think it’s something you can never have enough of.”

Orienteering is as much psychological as physical. Split-second decisions under fatigue demand clarity, confidence, and resilience. Mental strength is not optional at the top level. It is essential.

Finding Balance

Away from competition, Miika enjoys fishing. Time by the water offers calm and perspective. As a professional athlete, though, free time can be limited.

“Sadly not so often I have time and a chance to enjoy this. When spending training days at our summer cottage I get a chance to enjoy this more since the lake is just at the doorstep.”

Why TRUE STORY

For Miika, joining TRUE STORY was about trust and professionalism.

“Behind TRUE STORY there is knowledge on how to produce the optimal clothing for training and racing and that’s something I appreciate very much. I can trust the kit I’m wearing has been produced with professionalism.”

In orienteering where terrain varies from dense forest to open hillside, where weather can shift within minutes, performance apparel must do more than look good. It must perform without compromise, which is what we strive for at  TRUE STORY.

Miika’s journey is far from finished. The ambition to stand at the very top of the world remains strong. And as he continues to unlock his full potential, we are proud to stand beside him.

With Miika's own words: "Step into the forest with me — every control nailed, every finish line crossed, is a victory we share — together, relentless.”

We invite you to become a part of his story by purchasing something from the Miika Kirmula fan shop. All profit from sales go towards supporting Miika’s training and bringing him closer to his dream.

https://custom.truestorysport.com/collections/miika-kirmula-fan-shop