Alexander Stubb was hit by a horse in the race, but got a gold medal around his neck.
Alexander Stubb won the European Championship. PASI LEISMA
Former Prime Minister of Finland Alexander Stubb54, won the long triathlon European championship on Saturday.
The competition included 3.8 kilometers of swimming, 180 kilometers of cycling and a marathon.
Gold was won in the 50–54-year-old men’s category. Stubb revealed on his Facebook accountthat there were only four participants.
– We had to dig deep. Went 30 minutes slower than last year on the same route. The wind was strong and from the “wrong” direction, he said of the violent storm.
The competition also included a special danger situation.
– There was also one “near miss” situation. I just thought I’d run into a horse’s backside at 45 kilometers an hour on a narrow forest road. I don’t know who freaked out more…
Stubb also shared photos and videos of the competition on his Twitter account. He humorously asked Yle if he would still be nominated for the Sports Gala in the Most Touching Sports Moment category.
– Or what Top Raitanen and Wilma Murto think? Stubb asked with laughing emoticons.
The fresh European champions soon answered the ex-minister.
– No matter what. Big big congratulations! Break your line.
– Congratulations! Strong is the ending, Raitanen replied with a winking emoji.
Stubb and Raitanen have commented on sports performances before. When Raitanen won the 3,000-meter steeplechase European championship in August, Stubb sent a congratulatory message.
– He asked what will be done with them if the EC gold comes, Raitanen revealed.
If you don’t see the tweet, you can take a look its here.
Many other athletes also showed their congratulations to Stubb over the weekend.
– Good luck, Alex, you’re a badass, Teemu Selänne wrote on Twitter.
– Loud! Congratulations, Susijengin Sasu Salin wished
The competition took its toll, as Stubbin had to make it down the stairs based on the video published on Sunday. When he walked, he took support from the railing and walked sideways rather than straight.
Stubb has participated in triathlons and marathons before. He has also played ice hockey and golf.