Mikko Oivanen
Mikko Oivanen (born 26 May 1986) is a Finnish volleyball player, a member of Finland men's national volleyball team. Personal lifeMikko has a twin brother – Matti Oivanen, who is also a volleyball player. CareerClubsOivanen started his career with his brother Matti in Kiikoisten Kirma. Soon Finnish youth national team's coach picks him to youth national team. Mikko moved with his brother to Kuortane and started studying in local high school. Same time he trained with youth national team. On his last high school year Mikko played few games with his brother Matti in Vammalan Lentopallo that is competing in Finnish champion league. In 2004 he graduated from Kuortane. After Kuortane Oivanen made a contract with Raision Loimu which plays in Finland Championleague. He started playing there with his brother Matti. In his first season in Loimu Oivanen didn't get much minutes because Loimu's opposite player at the time was Argentinian Diego Bonini. In his first season in Finland league he won Finland Cup champion and was in the league fourth place. Second season in Loimu was good to Mikko. He rose to Loimu's number one opposite player and led his team to Finland Cup final again. In final Loimu lost to Napapiirin Palloketut. After two seasons in Loimu Oivanen made a contract with Rovaniemen Santasport. His brother Matti made a contract with Pielaveden Sampo so it was a first season without Matti. In Santasport Mikko led his team to European Cup best sixteen. In Finland league he led the team to finals against Pielaveden Sampo. Mikko played for the first time against his brother Matti. Finals were very exciting matches. Finals culminated to last fifth game in Kuopio. Full crowd saw fifth set game and Santasport took gold. Mikko get his first big victory. National teamOivanen played his first national team game in season 2005 against Germany on European league. Finland survived to European League finals and the media chose Mikko as a best attacker. Young Finland team won a silver medal in the tournament. Oivanen made his breakthrough to the national team World league summer 2007. Finland's number one opposite player Matti Hietanen was hurt and Mikko got a chance to show his talent. He played a good World League summer and was the fourth best scorer in the whole league. After World League summer national team started training for European Championships in Moscow. There Mikko became one of the best opposite players of the world. He was the best scorer in the tournament and led Finland to its best ballgame achievement. Sporting achievementsNational team
ClubsInternational competitions
National championships
Individually
References
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