Hurdle runner Viivi Lehikoinen, 22, ran a new Finnish record in the 400-meter hurdles at the World Championships in Oregon on Thursday. Lehikoinen improved Tuija Helander’s 24-year-old record by two hundredths.
Viivi Lehikoinen has run a new Finnish record of 400 meters at the World Athletics Championships in Oregon.
Lehikoinen ran a time of 54.60 in the semi-final, which he improved Tuija Helanderin the record in the name by two hundredths. Helander’s previous Finnish record is from September 1987.
– A bit confused feelings. The record has been talked about so much that it was more of a relief when it finally came into my own numbers. I enjoy that atmosphere more. The atmosphere here is so good that it was really nice to run, Lehikoinen told Urheilu.
According to Lehikoinen, his goal for this season was to undercut SE.
– The goal was to undercut it, but this summer there has been more pressure from other than myself. Basically it’s just one time and the goal is to go harder and harder. At least now the goal has been met.
The result was not enough for the final in the fast-paced semi-final. Lehikoinen was the sixth of his group, while Holland’s Femke Bol finished first in the heat with a time of 52.84. In the time comparison, 53.72 was required for the final competition.
After the coach change, to a new level
Lehikoinen came into the public eye as a young super-promiser when he won gold at the 2015 European Youth Olympic Festivals. This was followed by the under-18 European Championship gold and the under-20 European Championship bronze.
In the summer of 2017, Lehikoinen ran the Finnish under-19 record of 56.49, which remained his record for a long time. The development of the talented athlete declined.
In the second season, the best time of the season was 58.48. Lehikoinen changed the Swiss at the end of 2020 Laurent Meuwlyn for coaching. In less than two years, the record has improved by almost two seconds.
– This feels great. These moments have been the ones from which I have sought strength in difficult moments. If you can get to this level and still run here, then you can enjoy it to the fullest, Lehikoinen comments.
Already four times under 55 seconds
Sprint coach Petteri Jouste was excited about Lehikoinen’s Finnish record.
– This is really great! Viivi has heard questions about SE breaking, but now you don’t have to listen to them anymore, Jouste comments.
Lehikoinen has had two good training years behind him. According to Jousteen, it has been seen in Lehikonen’s work.
– Also the fact that Viivi completely trusts the coaching she is getting now. It’s always important. No matter how you get the right coaching, it won’t help if the athlete doesn’t believe in it one hundred percent, Jouste stated.
Lehikoinen’s basic level has risen to a new level this season. He has already run under 55 seconds four times this season.
Lehkonen’s previous record was 54.80 run in the Stockholm Diamond League. He improved his own record by two tenths.