ESPOO
With the men’s javelin world champion Tero in Pitkämäki was once a well-known trusted couple in the grandstand in the competition. Coach Hannu Kangas and the manager Tero Heiska.
– We were watching all of Tero’s value competition throws next to each other, Heiska recalls.
It’s been some time since the last throws of the seven-time javelin medalist (Pitkämäki), but on Thursday, that power duo from the past years was once again exciting together for a medal.
This time, however, the target to be followed was Hannu’s daughter Emilia Fabric, who won bronze in the under-23 European Championships in Espoo with a score of 16.75. It is the second longest arc of the career of the athlete born in 2001.
– Of course, we always remember when we see each other at the games. All in all, this is a slightly different situation. It’s nice to watch this with Hannu. However, this is a slightly different situation when Hannu has her own child, Heiska told Urheilu during the last round of the ball.
Kangas and Heiska brought up old memories during the race. During the shot put competition, the two discussed especially the 2007 Osaka javelin final.
Tero Pitkämäki was competing for world champion at that time. Pitkämäki led before the final round. Kangas and Heiska launched their own ritual at that time, with which they wanted to make the moment even more memorable.
There are eight throwers in the final round. The two did a calming calculation.
– When the last round started, we concluded that Tero is at least eighth. At least the seventh. At least the sixth. We made it to the finish line then, Heiska recalls and refers to Pitkämäki’s throw at the world championship.
At that time, Pitkämäki still managed his longest arc of the race as if it were the icing on the cake.
– We’ve probably used it sometime before. It came to mind during this race, Kangas gasps in the very last moments of the shot put race.
From crying to medalist
Moments later, Kangas states that Emilia is at least fourth. And then the medal position is guaranteed.
– Wow! You did it! Hannu Kangas sweats as he gives his daughter a congratulatory hug.
Kangas got to experience the prestigious medal with Pitkämäki countless times. However, my own daughter’s medal is always of its own kind.
– I am really proud of my daughter. He handled all the pressure well. This was not quite an easy story, however. He only became among the medal favorites at the very last moment.
Kangas made her daughter’s first training program when Emilia was 13 years old.
The trip also includes a significant change in technology.
– Little by little, progress has been made from there. We switched from packing to spinning. He pushed 15.38 by packing. It’s now the third year in a row.
The change has paid off, as Kangas has pushed his career best result this summer, 16.99.
– He has a good frame for spin technique. The power sticks well. There is a lot to improve, but for his age he is quite good.
– Competing has not been easy. At the Kaleva Games last year, we cried for many hours. There was a long pusher, but we couldn’t stay in the ring. Peace has now been found.
“Everything from dad’s back pocket”
Kangas does not want to compare his daughter to a wild success like Pitkämäki. However, he sees Emilia’s future as bright.
– Tero is Tero. There is only one Tero. He probably won’t be quite Tero, but I think he has a chance at the top of Europe, Kangas sees.
Help would also be needed for the background. The fabric draws attention to the Finnish Sports Association and sponsors.
– Everything goes from the father’s back pocket. Hopefully, this medal will bring some cooperation patterns. It would be a little bit of butter on top of the bread, so that you don’t have to think every day about how your everyday life will turn out.