KATKO supports young Finnish sailor Nooa Laukkanen on his journey toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. The partnership is built on shared values: determination, continuous improvement, and the ability to pursue ambitious goals.

Nooa's Olympic dream was not built overnight. It is the result of years of hard work, thousands of training hours, and a strong commitment to continuous development, much like success in business.

Sailing Since Childhood

Nooa's passion for sailing began at an early age.

"My parents took me on a sailboat when I was only a few months old, and apparently I always calmed down when I heard the bow cutting through the water," Nooa recalls.

He spent his childhood summers sailing in the archipelagos of Finland and Sweden. As he grew older, his interest in the sport deepened, and what was just a hobby gradually evolved into competitive sailing. Soon, national ranking events and
international training camps on Lake Garda came along.

Later, moving into the ILCA class brought his first major achievements. A silver medal at the U18 European Championships reinforced his belief that competing among the world's best was within reach.

Guided by Strong Values

For Nooa, sport is about more than achieving results. Fair competition and respect for others are equally important.

"You're only a true winner when you've earned not only victory, but also the respect of your competitors," Nooa says.

As a sailor, he has also witnessed firsthand the importance of protecting the marine environment. Through international competitions and training camps, he has experienced both breathtaking waters and the visible effects of environmental challenges. The health and vitality of marine ecosystems truly matter to him.

"I want to do my part to create a better future," Nooa explains.

Markus Hyryläinen, CEO of KATKO, believes there is much that sailing and business have in common:

"The sea and maritime activities have always been close to the hearts of our owners and management. Sailing and business share many similarities: conditions are constantly changing, and success depends on the ability to adapt, make the right decisions, and stay on course even in challenging situations.

We also value sailing's strong connection to nature and the principles of sustainable development. Understanding and respecting natural conditions is an essential part of long-term success."

Building Success Every Day

Nooa's journey toward the Olympic Games is progressing according to plan. In autumn 2025, he finished fourth in the Sailing World Cup Grand Slam Final, which strengthened his confidence in his ability to compete against the world's best
sailors.

"I know, and I've proven to myself, that right now I can beat anyone in the world in a single race," Nooa says confidently.

International training camps continue to play a crucial role in his development. Progress comes from challenges, victories, setbacks, and the careful analysis of each experience. While major achievements are important milestones, Nooa believes success is built through everyday commitment.

"What's the most important day on the journey to the Olympics? It's today!"

For Nooa, the Olympic Games are far more than a competition. They are a lifelong dream that has gradually become a realistic goal through years of dedicated work. He wants to represent Finland, achieve international success, and inspire future generations through his example.

Hyryläinen also believes that outstanding results are rarely the outcome of a single breakthrough:

"Top results rarely come from one big leap. In both business and competitive sailing, success is built through long-term commitment, continuous learning, and countless small improvements."

A Partnership Built on Shared Values

Nooa sees many similarities between his own approach and KATKO's way of working: a commitment to continuous improvement, a drive to be among the best in their field, and the determination to achieve ambitious goals. He also appreciates that every employee's contribution is valued as an important part of the bigger picture.

According to Nooa, the partnership creates an opportunity to inspire and encourage one another:

"When KATKO succeeds, it helps support my journey. And when I succeed, I hope I can inspire the KATKO team to achieve even greater success."

KATKO is committed to supporting young athletes whose ambition, values, and mindset align with the company's culture, says Hyryläinen:

"We want to support young talents who dare to set ambitious goals and work determinedly to achieve them. In my view, Nooa's approach perfectly reflects KATKO's core values: Responsiveness, Precision & Ownership.

We have had the privilege of supporting Nooa since the early stages of his career, and it has been a pleasure to follow his development toward international success. His achievements demonstrate what can be accomplished through long-term dedication and strong determination.

We wish Nooa fair winds and success on waters around the world. We will continue to follow his journey with pride."

The Journey Continues

Nooa's journey toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games is built on daily effort, determination, continuous improvement, and the courage to challenge himself among the world's best sailors. At the same time, his approach is guided by strong values: fair competition, respect for opponents, and a deep appreciation for the marine environment.

KATKO is proud to support Nooa on his journey. We wish him success in the competitions ahead and look forward to following his journey in the years to come.

 

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