With good technique and hard work to the top of the world
Text: Ari Katajisto Photos: Johanna Pelttari
Career got off to a good start as a junior
In 2005, Annimari reached the semi-finals at the U18 World Championships, and similarly, the following year, she also reached the semi-finals at the U20 World Championships. Her best achievement as a junior came in 2007, when she made it to the finals at the European Championships. In her final junior year, Annimari represented Finland at the U23 European Championships. In 2007, Annimari also won a bronze medal at the Kalevan Kisat.
Her promising career ended already in 2012 when Annimari was diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis (allergic chronic inflammation of the esophagus) and Tietze syndrome (a rib condition causing chest pain).
International woman
"When I stopped competitive sports, I didn't think much about it but focused on studying and then on work," says Annimari Korte.
She studied media, first earning her bachelor's degree at the Universities of Georgia, San Diego State, and Clemson, and then her master's degree in London.
Her career took her to Spain and Barcelona.
However, Annimari never lost her active lifestyle. In 2017, a good friend asked her to join them on the track. Trying out hurdles led to several more running sessions.
"Hurdling with my friend was fun!"
Second athletic career
In September 2017, Annimari Korte resumed targeted training after a five-year break. This time, her training ground was Barcelona, and her club was FC Barcelona.
"I participated in my first competitions in May of the same year."
During the summer of 2017, Annimari considered her future and decided to give it one more serious try.
Once her illness no longer troubled her, Annimari's development was rapid. Already in 2018, she represented Finland at the European Championships in Berlin. Annimari was 30 years old when she represented Finland for the first time in an adult competition!
Competes mainly in Finland
Annimari Korte says she focuses on competing in Finland, representing HIFK from Helsinki. In Finland, the level in women's 100-meter hurdles has been good, with three women competing for championships.
"Tough competitors don't matter to me because, as a technical event, hurdles require complete focus on my own performance," Annimari explains about her competition schedule.
In July 2019, she set her personal best of 12.72 in Joensuu, which is still the Finnish record today. At the Doha World Championships, Korte reached the semi-finals – as did two other Finns.
However, 2020 was her best year in terms of results. At that time, she ran fast times every week and was fifth in the world rankings.
In 2021, Annimari Korte qualified for the Tokyo Olympics, but her journey ended in the heats. However, the Tokyo race was challenging, as Annimari managed to run it with her hamstring almost detached. Her hamstring was surgically reattached a week after the competition. Running the heat was therefore a great achievement.
The Kalevan Kisat are the most important domestic competitions for track and field athletes. Her best year by placement was 2020, when she won gold and set the current Kalevan Kisat record of 12.79. In 2018, she won silver, and in 2019, bronze.
Healthy into a new season
Last summer, Annimari Korte was out of action for the entire season. She was forced to rest for over two months. She contracted COVID-19 twice.
"Since then, I've been able to train and compete healthily. If everything goes like this, I expect a lot from next summer."
During the winter, Annimari trained domestically.
"We have good indoor facilities in Finland," Annimari emphasizes about the training opportunities.
The winter also included a short competition season.
"During the indoor season, I only seek a feel for competition, as 60 meters is far too short a distance for me. Even outdoors, the final speed only comes after the fourth hurdle."
In April-May, Annimari's schedule included a month-long training camp in Tenerife. She will open her competition season in May-June.
"My goal for the summer is to set my personal best. Of course, I aim to be in the best possible condition for the World Championships at the end of August."
The qualifying standard for the World Championships is a strict 12.78. Annimari says the strictness of the standard reflects a new selection policy that aims to nominate participants for competitions based on ranking. Only a small portion makes it to the games with the direct standard, and the rest via ranking.
"It's likely that a time of 12.78 won't be strictly necessary; entry will be possible through ranking. There's time to achieve a ranking result until July," Korte states.
Hurdles is a power event
Annimari Korte plans her training program independently, and Mikael Ylöstalo assists her with training.
In addition to event-specific training, gym workouts have played a significant role in Annimari's program.
"Previously, my weekly program included three weight training sessions. Nowadays, I only do two strength training sessions a week."
Annimari states that her basic strength training exercises include power cleans, single-leg squats, and box jumps. The selection of exercises ensures that strength is built, but at the same time, the movements do not slow down her running.
Recovery training is not part of her program because it didn't provide significant benefits.
"For recovery, massage is important for me; I go three times a week."
Paris on her mind
Participating in the 2024 Olympics is Annimari Korte's most important goal in the coming years.
"I've already decided that my competitive career in athletics at an international level will end with the Olympics."
Annimari adds that she already knows that qualifying for the Paris Olympics will be a tough goal.
"My international activities won't end next year, as I plan to compete with my dogs at an international level."
Annimari is trained in the media field, but she does not intend to return to that line of work.
"Athletics is closest to my heart, and I hope to pursue a career as a coach."
source: K&F Lehdet