Hurdler Lotta Harala Withdraws from Kaleva Games to Focus on European Championships

Finnish sprint hurdler Lotta Harala has withdrawn from the upcoming Kaleva Games, scheduled for this weekend, as she continues to recover from a hamstring injury. The athlete confirmed her decision to the news outlet on Friday, stating her focus is on rehabilitation for the European Championships in Birmingham, which are set to take place in August.

Harala's withdrawal was first reported by Iltalehti. She sustained the hamstring injury and last competed in the Joensuu Grand Prix on July 8th. Although she ran in the preliminary heats, she subsequently pulled out of the final race. Following this, she also announced her withdrawal from the Tampere Grand Prix on July 12th, her home event.

"Rehabilitation is being carried out with the best possible expertise. The focus is on reaching the starting line as soon as it is safe and possible," Harala had previously stated on Instagram regarding her recovery process. Her personal best for the season is 12.79 seconds, achieved in Lahti in June, while her overall record stands at 12.65 seconds.

“

Rehabilitation is being carried out with the best possible expertise. The focus is on reaching the starting line as soon as it is safe and possible.