Good news! We have received a new addition to the Kouvola Lakritsi family. Kouvola-born speed skater Elmo Lakka has joined our ranks. In the future, we will support Elmo on his journey towards the Tokyo Olympics this summer.
I am Elmo Lakka, the best sprinter in Finland. I am from Koria, Kouvola and have lived most of my life and attended school up to upper secondary school in Kouvola. I currently live in Jyväskylä and am studying physical education at the University of Jyväskylä.
Elmo has so far won 36 Finnish championship medals in his sports career and won the Finnish championship in men's rapid hurdles 12 times in a row. He has represented Finland 9 times in prestigious competitions at the European and World Championships levels, of which his best achievement so far is 8th place in the final of the European Indoor Championships in Glasgow. In addition, Elmo has represented Finland in over 20 international matches, he has 5 consecutive Finland-Sweden international match victories and the Nordic Championship. Next, his eyes are on Tokyo.
My absolute main goal for 2021 is to conquer Japan at the Tokyo Olympics. An Olympic spot has been my dream since I was little. In addition, the season will also include the European Indoor Championships, which I hope will be held in Poland, where I believe I have a chance to win a medal with an excellent performance. With the glint of a medal in my eyes, my long-term goal is to take a running step towards becoming the absolute world leader in the 110 m hurdles and reach my own limits in sports, Elmo opens.
Elmo sees similarities between Kouvola's Lakritsi and his own sports career, for example in the long-term work on his own story:
Kouvola Lakritsi works tirelessly to be the best in its field: long-term, unyielding work brings results in both business life and top sports. Cooperation with Kouvola Lakritsi gives me even better opportunities to pursue my own sporting dreams, most notably the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, Elmo continues.
Naturally, the entire Kouvola Lakritsi team is also delighted that Elmo has joined the Kouvola Lakritsi family. While Elmo's main goal is the Tokyo Olympics, we are also currently entering the Japanese market.
Since Kouvolan Lakritsi is also aiming for Japan, we decided to challenge each other in our own goals towards conquering Japan, explains Jari Hautala, Chief Happiness Officer of Kouvolan Lakritsi.
Kouvola's Lakritsi has wanted to focus on supporting young people in its sponsorships and selection of partners. From this perspective, too, Elmo is a natural partner.
Elmo is an exemplary athlete, whose attitude we will also share at some level with the Kouvola Sports Academy, where Kouvola Licorice is also a partner, adds Jari.
You can also follow Elmo's journey towards the Olympics throughout the year on Kouvola's Lakritsi social media!