Vainio receives diamond earrings worth thousands after European triumph
Monday 24th August 2026 on 11:00 in
Finland
Alisa Vainio received diamond earrings worth thousands of euros at a public celebration in Lappeenranta on Saturday, Yle reports. Her home club, Lappeenrannan Urheilu-Miehet, presented the gift to honour her European marathon title.
“They are diamond earrings,” said Janne Vehmaa, the club’s executive director.
A small sound problem during the presentation meant that not everyone heard that the diamonds had been given in the form of earrings.
Vehmaa said diamonds were a natural choice for an endurance athlete such as Vainio, noting that athletics also has the Diamond League, its most highly regarded international competition series.
“Diamonds are forever,” he said.
According to Vehmaa, diamonds symbolise endurance and victory. The club decided to act quickly after the idea emerged. He declined to disclose the exact price, but said the earrings were highly valuable and cost thousands of euros. The jewellery shop gave the club a substantial discount after being told that the items were for Vainio.
About 4,500 people attended the celebration at Lappeenranta’s harbour market square. The City of Lappeenranta organised the event and awarded Vainio a cash prize of 20,000 euros.
Vainio won European marathon gold on Sunday, August 16, and returned to Finland as champion the following day.