European Athletics Championships | Silja Kosonen's dream came true: "I was able to show everyone"

Silja Kosonen achieved her lifelong dream by winning the European Championship gold medal in the javelin throw, marking a significant triumph after years of dedicated training. The 23-year-old athlete secured the title with her best throw of 76.28 meters, achieved on her third attempt.

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All those dark autumn and winter evenings I spend at our cave without anyone else, sometimes just with Jani [coach Pihkanen] alone, make me wonder sometimes why I do this. When the work is rewarded like this, it's great, and then I have the energy to continue.

Kosonen described the victory as the fulfillment of her aspirations, stating, "There is nothing left to regret: the European Championship gold is mine, and that's enough for me today." She reflected on the demanding training sessions, often spent in an underground facility in Raisio with her coach Pihkanen, and how the reward makes the hard work worthwhile.

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Yes, I would say so. There is nothing left to regret: the European Championship gold is mine, and that's enough for me today.

Despite taking the lead early in the competition, Kosonen maintained focus, only allowing herself to relax in the later rounds. She found mental support from her friend Krista Tervo, whose own competition was limited by back issues. Kosonen admitted that even after her strong performance, she hesitated to celebrate prematurely, acknowledging that a strong throw from a competitor was always possible.

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I didn't want to think that the job was done. I told Krista that I wouldn't celebrate yet, because someone could always throw a great record.

This gold medal is a culmination of Kosonen's consistent performance in major championships since her debut at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Having previously secured fourth and fifth-place finishes, she felt a strong desire to prove her ability to win a medal. "I wanted to show everyone that I can win a championship medal," Kosonen stated, emphasizing her drive to overcome perceptions of being an athlete who consistently falls short of the podium.

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I started to enjoy the competition quite quickly, and I had a confident feeling. It was a good season behind me and the throw felt good, so I didn't have to stress anymore. I just wanted to enjoy the whole moment.