Former Finnish Olympic ski jump champion Nykanen arrested for alleged attack on wife

Ski jumper arrested for alleged attack on wife

HELSINKI — Finnish police say they are investigating former Olympic ski jumping champion Matti Nykanen for an alleged attack on his wife.

Police say the 46-year-old Nykanen allegedly attempted to stab his wife Mervi Tapola and strangle her with a bath robe belt on Christmas Day in their southern Finland home.

The four-time Olympic gold medalist was released Monday after charges for attempted manslaughter were dropped. Police say Nykanen could be charged with aggravated assault.

Reports of Nykanen’s drinking and violent outbursts have appeared in Finnish media since he retired. In 2004, he was sentenced to more than two years in prison after stabbing a drinking companion.