Since the first European Athletics Indoor Championship in 1970 in Vienna, Finland had not won a women’s gold medal. However, everything changed in Istanbul earlier this month, when pole vaulter Wilma Murto triumphed with a national indoor record of 4.80m.
And 24 hours later at the Atakoy Arena, Finlan’s hurdler Reetta Hurske equalized the national record of 7.79 sec to secure gold in the 60m hurdles.
Reetta Hurske not only won the title, but she also overtook two of the super-favorites – the champion of the last two European Championships (2019 and 2021) Nadine Visser, who took the silver in 7.84 sec, and the Swiss outdoor European bronze medalist Ditaji Kambundji, who finished third in 7.91 sec.
“I put myself under pressure before the start. I don’t know why I was so nervous. I know what I’m doing, but this was my first time winning gold. I believe I can build on that during the outdoor season”, said Reetta Hurske.
Her triumph at the European Athletics Indoor Championship in Istanbul was not that surprising as the Finnish athlete has had a very solid winter season in which she clocked 7.79 sec, 7.90 sec, 7.88 sec, 7.86 sec and 7.81 sec. Her form during last year’s indoor season was also very impressive, but any hopes she might have had of bettering her record at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Belgrade were cut short due to COVID-19.
“I competed in Paris (in preparation for Belgrade) and then I was sick for two days. Then I tested positive and that was it”, said Reetta Hurske. She also shared that she was confident of the win beforehand because of her consistency this season. “I had five records and now I have my first gold. I am very pleased. I know I’m getting in shape so my goal for the indoor season has been met. My goal for the outdoor season is to record a personal best and the national record and be in my best shape for the World Championships in Budapest”, added the Finnish hurdler.
