Weightlifter Janette Ylisoini cashes in after winning European Championship in Georgia

Kerava-based weightlifter Janette Ylisoini, 20, achieved her first major senior championship victory in April, clinching the under-77kg title at the European Championships in Georgia. Her performance included a combined total of 247kg, a gold medal in the snatch with 113kg, and a silver medal in the clean and jerk with 134kg. Both her snatch and total lifts set new under-20 European records.

Ylisoini described the timing of her lifts as perfect, noting that attempts that failed in training succeeded on the competition platform. Beyond the medals, she received a substantial prize sum of 4,000 euros, a rare occurrence in weightlifting championships, thanks to generous sponsors in Batumi. "This was a one-time system, but hopefully, other competition organizers will follow the Georgians' example," Ylisoini commented.

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I tried the same weights in training before the competition, and it didn't work out, but on the competition platform, it succeeded.

Despite her young age, Ylisoini possesses considerable experience in both junior and senior international competitions, which she credits for her composed performance. "The routines are familiar, and there's no need to be nervous," she stated. Her composure was tested during the journey to Batumi, which involved a five-hour delay due to weather issues preventing their plane from landing.

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This was a one-time system, but hopefully, other competition organizers will follow the Georgians' example.

Ylisoini has managed her weight effectively in recent years, often being slightly underweight for her 77kg category, which requires her to eat considerably to maintain strength. Her international experience includes training stints in Turkey, Latvia, and France. She has also represented the Dijon club in France for three seasons.

This year, Ylisoini joined the German Bundesliga, competing for SV Germania Obrigheim. She has been warmly welcomed in Germany, partly due to her strong performances, becoming the team's top lifter. The Bundesliga events are presented as spectator events, with enthusiastic crowds, as experienced in Mutterstadt where approximately a thousand people attended.

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The routines are familiar, and there's no need to be nervous.