Heltelä's Silver Medal Reflects Strong Coaching Synergy with Pitkämäki

Wilma Heltelä secured a European Championship silver medal in pole vault, clearing 4.75 meters in Birmingham. The Finnish athlete became emotional when discussing the crucial support from her coaching team, particularly highlighting the significant role of former javelin legend Tero Pitkämäki. While Pitkämäki has been described as a mentor and consultant for the past couple of years, his involvement has been far more substantial. He has been instrumental in designing Heltelä's training programs and implementing major adjustments, focusing on a less intense but more effective training regimen and proper recovery. Coach Tommi Holttinen has concentrated on the technical aspects of Heltelä's vault, refining the final phase of her jumps. Pitkämäki revealed that he has been receiving coaching support funds from the federation, suggesting a more professionalized role. He emphasized Heltelä's mental struggles, noting that untangling her psychological knots was challenging but that progress was made step by step, both physically and mentally. Heltelä expressed immense trust in Pitkämäki and Holttinen, stating their work significantly defines her current approach to the sport and that Pitkämäki's influence is a major reason she continues to compete.

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Tommi is modest. He has done good and innovative work with Wilma's technique.