News anchor Milla Madetoja to compete in para-athletics championships after leukemia recovery

Finnish news anchor Milla Madetoja, who is recovering from leukemia, announced on Instagram that she will compete in the national para-athletics championships on Saturday. Madetoja, who underwent a stem cell transplant, will participate in the women's 100-meter race.

"Why not race 100 meters tomorrow?" Madetoja wrote, expressing her readiness to compete. She explained that her walking and running fitness has gradually improved during her long recovery period. "One day in winter, I tried running a little faster at Pirkkahalli. My hair, which had grown to be about two centimeters long, was flying, and the run felt like it reached my soul! It felt like I had grasped something I had lost. I'm not done yet!"

Madetoja was diagnosed with leukemia in early 2025. Before her illness, she was writing a biography of Finnish hurdler Lotta Harala but took a leave of absence due to her diagnosis. Harala, the former Finnish record holder in the women's 100-meter hurdles, learned of Madetoja's new endeavor after her own press conference on Friday and was "really excited" about the news.

"Ah, amazing! Super good! No way, huge thumbs up and cheers from here. It's cool that she's going!" the Olympic runner exclaimed. Harala recalled meeting Madetoja at Pirkkahalli and that Madetoja had suggested they compete. Harala did not predict Madetoja's performance but respectfully described the news anchor's project as a "super-boost for life."

Madetoja mentioned acquiring racing spikes and practicing starting blocks this week. "I'm not ready, but who among us ever is for anything? If there's a chance to go to the starting line, then we go," she stated. The Finnish Para Athletics Championships are being held in Espoo.

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Hän on aina liikkunut todella paljon, mutta nyt hänellä on vielä sellainen supertehostus elämälle päällä