We interviewed our new sponsored athlete Mila Heikkonen.
Mila Heikkonen is a Finnish track and field athlete who specializes in hurdles, especially the 400-meter hurdles. In recent years, she has achieved significant results in both domestic and international competitions.
In the summer of 2024, Heikkonen broke the 45-year-old Finnish record for the 100-meter hurdles for under-20s with a time of 13.20 seconds in Porvoo. The previous record, 13.24 seconds, was from 1979.
How did your athletic journey begin and what has sports taught you?
My athletic journey began at the age of 6 on the track and field. It became more "targeted" at the age of 12, when I moved to my current coach. Sports have taught me a lot about perseverance and hard work, but also about failure and adversity.
What are your goals for the next few years?
My goal over the next few years is to succeed first in youth competitions and then in adult competitions. Next summer, my goal is to win a medal at the U20 European Championships in Tampere. I also want to improve my record on several different distances.
What does holistic well-being mean to you?
To me, holistic well-being means everyday choices that matter in an athlete's life. Good sleep and nutrition ensure more healthy days to train, allowing for progress.
What does your typical day as an athlete look like?
My day as an athlete goes pretty much the same way. Morning to school, afternoon home to eat and then training. Then home again to eat and do muscle maintenance. After that homework, dinner and early to bed.
What kind of diet best supports your performance?
Performance is best supported by a varied diet and sufficient energy intake.
What are the most important things for recovery?
The most important things for recovery are food, rest, and sleep.
What are your TOP supplements and why?
Vitamins D and C, magnesium, iron, creatine, beta-alanine and sports drink. They support the diet during physical exertion.
What is your motivational quote or life advice?
Failure is not final unless you decide to give up.