European Athletics: Silja Kosonen surprised by teammates' welcome at hotel

European champion Silja Kosonen returned to the Finnish team's hotel in Birmingham just after 1 a.m. local time, where a large group of people awaited her. Several Finnish athletes who had already concluded their competitions, along with other team members, were present to celebrate.

As the newly crowned champion emerged from a car, she was met with a shower of champagne. Teammate Henri Liipola played a key role in the surprise reception. After the initial shock, Kosonen danced briefly surrounded by her colleagues, and Krista Tervo embraced the champion warmly.

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It's a tradition that if someone wins a medal, there's a welcoming committee. But it got so late, I didn't think there would be this many people here. It's really great.

"It's a tradition that if someone wins a medal, there's a welcoming committee," Kosonen told Sanoma. "But it got so late, I didn't think there would be this many people here. It's really great." She added, "I might not have fully realized what I've done yet, but the gold medal feels good."

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I might not have fully realized what I've done yet, but the gold medal feels good.

Kosonen described the award ceremony as a "great moment," with many Finns in the stands singing the national anthem. "I just tried to hold back tears. It was a wonderful moment. Finally, I am an adult championship medalist," she said at the hotel.

Plans for further celebrations remained uncertain. "Now I'm just craving 'McDonald's food' that's coming, and then maybe slowly go to sleep. I might not have the energy to celebrate much more, but I'll be in Britain for a few more days, so maybe there will be time to celebrate a bit."

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I just tried to hold back tears. It was a wonderful moment. Finally, I am an adult championship medalist.