Finland’s javelin dominance fades as no athletes reach Tokyo worlds final

Finland’s streak of having at least one javelin thrower in the top 12 at every major championship since 1908 ended at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, with no Finns qualifying for the final, according to Yle.

Jani Tanskanen of the Finnish Athletics Federation attributes the decline to a broader international field, where more countries and athletes now compete at the top level, while Finland’s own elite group has narrowed. Injuries now have a greater impact on results.

Despite a drop in overall participation across athletics, javelin remains one of Finland’s largest disciplines. The national training program currently includes 18 junior throwers aged 14–16 and 22 in the 17–22 age group. Tanskanen notes that coaching expertise remains strong, with new trainers replacing retired ones.

At the Pihtipudas Javelin Carnival this weekend, about 130 children and young athletes are training and competing. The event, now in its 55th year, has hosted all of Finland’s javelin medalists. Participation peaked in 2008 with nearly 300 attendees but has since declined, though numbers have recently shown slight growth.

Eleven-year-old Jooa Pitkämäki, representing the Seinäjoki region, won his age group with a throw of 48.67 meters—a personal best and the second-farthest in Finnish history for his age. His goal is the Olympics.