One thing she loves is the sea - in many ways: “When I am travelling elsewhere, I go online to see Haukipudas and the sea. When I am at home, I go to see, feel and smell sea almost daily. The voice, scent and power that comes from it, is impressive”, she says.

The sea has also brought a lot to Roponen’s table as her father was a professional fisherman, and still enjoys fishing. No wonder Roponen’s favourite dish is salmon, fished and smoked by her dad.

Family is the number one priority in her free time. Roponen’s daughter Ida was born in January 2004. In 2006, she got married to Toni Roponen, former Finnish biathlon head coach, who also became her personal coach that same year.

She studied sports and graduated as a sports instructor, but has set her career plans in Cross-Country skiing until 2014.

Her hobbies are having fun with her daughter, reading, cooking, friends. She would also like to have time for horse riding.