Finnish Athletes Shine at Marski Games

Finnish athletes had a successful showing at the Marski Games in Lappeenranta, with several individuals achieving personal bests and notable milestones. Viivi Lehikoinen dominated the women's 200 meters, finishing in a record time of 23.88 seconds, surpassing her previous outdoor record of 24.12 seconds. Her primary focus remains on the 400-meter hurdles, and she expressed optimism about her improvement in form this spring.

Highlight Performances

Vilma Mäki, a 23-year-old hurdler, also made headlines with her impressive performance in the women's 100 meters, clocking a time of 12.88 seconds. This achievement not only marked a new personal best for Mäki but also set the standard for domestic times this season, outdoing her prior record of 13.07 seconds. Reflecting on her run, she noted that favorable wind conditions contributed to her performance and praised her training regimen.

Strong Competitors

Completing a competitive field, Essi Vehmaa finished second in the 100 meters with a time of 13.55 seconds, while Niina Karttunen placed third at 13.76 seconds. This event showcased the depth of talent present among Finnish female hurdlers, indicating a bright future for the sport.

Significant Milestones

Mäki's achievement places her among elite Finnish hurdlers, becoming one of only six women from the country to have completed the 100 meters in under 13 seconds. This not only reflects her individual progress but also highlights the advancements in Finnish women's hurdles, as other athletes like Saara Keskitalo and Nooralotta Neziri have also recorded impressive times this season.

Training Developments

After changing her training coach to Mikael Ylöstalo last fall, Mäki has embraced new techniques and approaches in her workouts. She expressed satisfaction with her training changes, stating that ongoing adjustments have positively influenced her performance, showcasing her commitment to improvement.