Cross-country skiing-As Finn Iivo chases medals, Lindholm chases his autograph

ZHANGJIAKOU, China : While Finland's Iivo Niskanen has more Olympic medals in his sights at the Winter Olympics, his countryman Remi Lindholm only wants to get one thing in Beijing - Niskanen's autograph.

The two raced in Sunday's men's skiathlon with Niskanen snagging a bronze medal nL8N2UH05V to add to his collection.

Lindholm came home in a respectable 25th place but has still not landed the signature he craves.

"I haven't had the nerve to ask him yet," the 24-year-old told Reuters following his first Olympic race.

The 30-year-old Niskanen is one of Finland's biggest sporting stars and his gold medal in the 50km freestyle race in Pyeongchang in 2018 inspired many young skiers like Lindholm to commit to the sport even more.

When his father Glenn started coaching Chinese skiers, Lindholm decided to go with him and gain some experience.

"I've worked here as a coach for Chinese skiers for a few months, we've been in the centre of Beijing on a roller-ski course," he said.

The subsequent improvement in his own performances and results led to an unlikely spot on the Finland team for Beijing and a chance to take part in the skiathlon race.

"It was pretty okay. There were a lot of uphill sections so I was just trying to keep up," Lindholm said modestly.

With an Olympic debut under his belt, he feels his confidence is growing.

"Maybe before the end of the Olympics I'll have the courage to ask Iivo (for his autograph)," he said.

(Reporting by Philip O'Connor; Editing by Clare Fallon)