‘Own Your Future’: The inspiring journey of Markus Sipila

Every athlete competing at the Olympic Qualification Event — and for the successful ones, the Olympic Winter Games — has been on their own personal journey to get there.

Talk to them, and you will hear of sacrifices made in family and social lives, hours after hours of practice, and often (perhaps too often) significant financial outlays.

Every story is worth listening to, but there is one story in particular that brings the elite athletes’ journey into sharp focus: the inspiring story of Finland mixed doubles player Markus Sipila.

Markus has made the brave decision to share his story, in the hope that others can learn from the lesson that has shaped his life, and brought him to Kelowna.

Markus uses the motto ‘Own Your Future’ in his social media activities. In his own words, here’s why.

Markus Sipila during the World Mixed Doubles Curling Championship 2025 © World Curling / Anastasia Karekla

From diagnosis to determination

“I started to curl when I was 17. Two years later, I was diagnosed with arthritis, and I had to quit curling,” said Sipila.

“I was wheelchaired several times when both my knees were infected at the same time, and I couldn’t walk with sticks.”

This devastating diagnosis prompted reconnection with his former gym teacher, who presented him with a profound decision.

“He lived right next to my parents. When he heard about my disease, he rang the doorbell when I was visiting,” he said.

“He took me for a drive to the middle of a forest and pulled over before a T-junction. He stopped the engine, looked directly in my eyes and said that I now need to choose the direction for the rest of my life.”

“He gave me two options: If we turn left, I can feel sorry for myself and give up. If we turn right, I must promise that I will never give up my positive attitude, and everything will be possible. We did not turn left.”

Sipila during practice day at the OQE © World Curling / Stephen Fisher

Choosing the right path

This monumental mindset shift changed everything for Sipila, sparking determination that would lead to a life he couldn’t have dreamed of when he was first diagnosed.

He said, “The decision I made in that forest at the age of 19 has shaped my whole life, both on and off the ice.”

“Four years later the doctors found the right medication for my disease and all my symptoms were gone in one day. A few years later I started to curl again.”

Inspiring others to own their future

Markus now uses what he has learned from his personal journey to help others who may experience something similar.

“This is what ‘Own Your Future’ means to me.

“No matter what happens, we can always choose our attitude. It is an active decision that we can make, every single day, over and over again.”

Sipila with mixed doubles partner Lotta Immonen at the World Mixed Doubles 2025 © World Curling / Anastasia Karekla

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