News from Finland

21/10/99

BEGINS

TAINA UPPA JOINS LEO PUSA

Only weeks after reigning women's Olympic Javelin Champion Heli Rantanen
split from her distinguished coach Leo Pusa, there has been another
significant move among Finland's javelin elite. Yesterday, it was announced
that Taina Uppa, 1994 World Junior and 1997 European Under 23 Champion
has decided to seek Pusa's help.

Pusa who as well as guiding Rantanen to her 1996 Olympic crown,
also coached Tapio Korjus to the 1988 men's Olympic gold, is the most
respected javelin coach in Finland. At present he also coaches Kimmo 
Kinnunen, the 1991 men's World Champion, who had to withdrawal at the
last moment from Finland's Seville squad due to a back injury. 

Uppa who becomes 23 years old this Sunday and this season set the
current Finnish record (63.63m, ninth best in the world this year) with the
new women's spear, has had a relatively slow development into senior world
class given her success as a junior. 

Uppa, a Helsinki police officer, had up until the start of this season
lived at home with her parents and had been coached by her father, Aatto.
However, early this year she made a break from the family home and also
changed her coach opting for Kari Ihalainen who also looks after Finland's
number two men's thrower, Matti Narhi.

In changing coaches again, Uppa stated that she chose Pusa because his
coaching reputation and the authority that it brings with it, immediately
gave her a solid belief and trust in his advice. Uppa also confirmed that
while her first aim was obviously Sydney next year, her real objective
was the Athens Olympics in 2004.

ENDS.