Finnish Athletes Compete in Hengelo
The Finnish sprinter Lotta Harala, age 33, began her outdoor season on a competitive note during an international event in Hengelo, Netherlands. Competing in the 100-meter hurdles, Harala finished in sixth place with a time of 12.99 seconds.
Race Overview
The event was won by Nadine Visser from the Netherlands, who recorded a time of 12.59 seconds. Marione Fourie from South Africa and Pia Skrzyszowska from Poland followed, finishing second and third with times of 12.60 seconds and 12.77 seconds, respectively. The moderate tailwind during the race likely influenced the athletes' performance times.
National Rankings
In terms of Finnish hurdle athletes' rankings, Harala's time places her fourth among her compatriots for the current season. Vilma Mäki leads with a time of 12.88 seconds, closely followed by Saara Keskitalo at 12.90 seconds, and Nooralotta Neziri with a time of 12.95 seconds. Another notable Finnish athlete, Reetta Hurske, is expected to join the competitions after a successful previous season.
Records and Competition
Harala's personal best stands at 12.65 seconds, achieved last July in France. On the global stage, the fastest performances in the 100-meter hurdles are currently held by Masai Russell from the USA, with a time of 12.17 seconds, and Tia Jones, who finished in 12.19 seconds, both recorded in Florida earlier this year under ideal conditions.
Additional Finnish Competitors
Alongside Harala, fellow Finnish athletes Ella Junnila and Eveliina Määttänen also represented their country in Hengelo. Junnila secured eighth place in the high jump, clearing a height of 180 cm, while Määttänen finished the 800 meters in eighth place with a time of 2:03.68. Unfortunately, neither athlete reached their personal best marks during the competition.
