Returning to Finland, Topi Raitanen had only watched his golden race once.
The tickling wait for the Helsinki Kisa-Veikko juniors is over. The arrivals hall of Helsinki-Vantaa airport was bustling with passengers, and finally Top Raitanen stood out from the crowd.
The young athletes formed a parade of honor and waved the flags of Finland and the club. Raitanen first received a nice speech from HKV and after that he was given the presidency of the republic Sauli Niinistön and Jenni Haukion signed congratulatory letter.
The European champion of the 3,000-meter steeplechase had already internalized what had to be done.
– When we got to sit down with family and friends in the evening, we talked together about what these years have contained. It was a big dream to once win the European championship, now it was achieved.
– An emotional and wonderful moment, Raitanen recounted his sensation.
The flight to Finland left around 12 o’clock from Munich. Europe’s number one was also stylishly noticed during the flight.
– I got to see in the cockpit how professionals fly a big plane. In the sunny weather, you could see that Finland is a beautiful country also from above.
After the congratulatory ceremony, Raitanen went straight to the car and traveled to Tampere with his friend Aleksi Niemen to the wedding.
There is something similar about them
Jussi Eskola
In the last day, many have had time to feel Raitanen’s final run several times. A hero himself only once.
– I watched it in a taxi. Nothing new really came out of it. I remembered the run well, when you don’t just forget a moment like that.
– What I didn’t realize in the race was what the crowd’s noise sounded like. Running is just so focused on performance. I remember the feeling after scoring well, Raitanen said.
The final stretch that started before the last water barrier was amazing. For many, the run reminded them of the 2006 EC steeplechase final. Then Jukka Keskisalo run for European champion. In the end, it was clear.
– It is in the eyes of every viewer and listener how proportional the runs are. After all, they have the same type of features: a strong final streak that ended with EC gold. Great stories, Raitanen felt.
He still hadn’t had time to exchange information with Keskisalo.
Celebrating in the background
Raitanen, who was fond of his mustache, presented the biggest prize of his career so far, the European Championship gold medal. Jussi Eskola
Raitanen admits that there will be a blowout after the EC-Munich.
A big, long-chased dream came true. The Finnish record is the next big goal.
Whether it comes this season or later, only time will tell.
– Within a couple of days, I will make decisions about the competitions for the rest of the season. I will certainly participate in the Sweden match. Then there would be the Diamond League and the Lappeenranta GP competition.
– The biggest wait is now over. At least we learned last season that you shouldn’t force yourself to do anything.
At the wedding party, Raitanen enjoys being away from the limelight.
– It is certain that I am not the center of those parties.
Raitanen reminded the young people that not everyone has to become a top athlete. It is enough to enjoy exercise and sports. Jussi Eskola
Finland’s largest athletics club HKV remembered Topi Raita at Helsinki-Vantaa airport. Jussi Eskola