Kalle Rovanperä’s mother, Tiina Rovanperä, opened up to Yle Urheilu in a moving interview about the challenges of her son’s childhood. Holding back tears, she revealed that two-time World Rally Champion Kalle Rovanperä suffered from depression as a child, and it was racing that gave him a saving direction in life. This heartbreaking story sheds light on how the passion for motor racing changed the young boy’s life and led him to unprecedented success.

Kalle Rovanperä, now 24, is a superstar in the rally world, having broken records at the age of 22 by winning the world championship in 2022, the youngest ever. However, his journey to the top was not all glory. Tiina Rovanperä said that Kalle was quiet and withdrawn as a child, struggling with depression even before his teenage years. The school environment was difficult for him, and social situations caused anxiety. “Kalle was a sensitive boy who carried a lot with him. I saw him struggling, but I didn’t always know how to help,” Tiina recalled.

Everything changed when Kalle discovered motorsport. His father, former WRC driver Harri Rovanperä, took him into a rally car when he was 2.5 years old. Kalle spent his childhood in the pits, absorbing the world of motorsport. According to Tiina, it was behind the wheel that Kalle found freedom and joy that he couldn’t get anywhere else. “When he drove, I saw a light in his eyes. It was like he was at home,” Tiina said. At the age of eight, Kalle drove a Toyota Starlet at up to 150 km/h, and a video of his skills went viral on YouTube, garnering almost two million views.

The world of rallying gave Kalle not only passion but also purpose. Tiina emphasized that racing taught him discipline and focus, which helped him manage his depression. “He was incredibly nervous even at a young age. Rallying required complete presence, and it gave him a way to channel his emotions,” she said. Kalle’s career took off in Latvia, where he won the rally championship at the age of 16, breaking records again. His team, including co-driver Jonne Halttunen, has been an integral part of his success.

However, Kalle’s depression did not completely disappear. Tiina revealed that he struggled with the pressure at times, especially when he moved to the WRC series in 2020. He struggled in his Monte Carlo debut in 2020, and critics questioned his readiness. However, Kalle’s ability to stay calm set him apart. In haha22, he silenced the doubters by winning five out of seven rallies, including New Zealand, securing the championship in style. “He doesn’t let the pressure break him. That’s his strength,” Tiina said.

The 2025 WRC Canary Islands once again showed Kalle’s dominance, even though his record-breaking time streak was broken in Las Palmas. He leads the rally by 45 seconds, and his performance has led team boss Juha Kankkunen to praise his ability to adapt to asphalt. Kalle’s decision to only drive part of the 2024 season raised concerns, but Tiina explained that it was a way to protect his well-being. “He needed time for himself. Rallying is tough, and he has learned to listen to himself,” she said.

Tiina’s interview resonated with many fans who have followed Kalle’s career in X and elsewhere. Users praised his openness, and many shared their own experiences with depression. “Kalle’s story gives hope. Sports can be a salvation,” one fan wrote. Others recalled Harri’s role in building Kalle’s first cars and giving him the opportunity to shine.

As Kalle prepares for the final day of the Canary Islands, his story reminds us that behind success are often silent battles. Tiina’s tears speak of a mother’s love and pride for her son, who found light in the darkness behind the wheel. Kalle’s journey from the shadows of childhood to the top of rallying is a testament to how passion can change lives – and inspire millions.