Documentary to follow marathon champion Alisa Vainio to 2028 Olympics

Yle reports that a feature documentary is being made about marathon runner Alisa Vainio, who won European championship gold this summer. The film will follow her pursuit of a place at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Filming began this spring and will continue for several years. The documentary is planned for theatrical release in 2029.

Vainio, from Lappeenranta, said in a statement issued by communications company Propromotion that she was looking forward to the project with both interest and nervousness.

“I do not know what the coming years will bring or what kind of film may ultimately emerge from this. However, I want to give the filmmakers the opportunity to follow this journey as authentically as possible,” Vainio said.

The documentary is being directed by Mia Halme and Aleksi Salmenperä and produced by Mediawan Finland and Once Upon. It is intended to receive both domestic and international funding.

Halme is known for the Jussi Award winning documentary Ikuisesti sinun and Viisi valittua, which followed the government led by Sanna Marin. Salmenperä has directed films including Isänpäivä and Jättiläinen.