Mäkelä Alu has been supporting pole vaulter Mikko Paavola’s career for several years, This season, Mäkelä Alu has taken on the responsibility of acting as the young athlete’s main sponsor. It is important for us to support Mikko in order for him to focus on advancing in his career as an athlete. The keys to success in sports are often the same as in working life.
Mikko Paavola began his sports career at a young age in Alajärvi. Growing up as the child of two physical education teachers, Mikko has always had a passion for sports. Athletics has always been particularly close to his heart.
“I have tried many different sports. In my childhood, athletics and sports competitions were a big part of my summers in Alajärvi. I was around 15 years old when I began to realise that pole vaulting was the sport I really loved. It combines many different things: running, jumping, and body control. In addition, pole vaulting requires courage. It’s a versatile sport, and there’s a lot to learn, maybe that’s why it interested me the most,” says Mikko.
Over the years, as his performance improved, and the number of collaboration partners and sponsors increased, a professional career in sports became a viable option for Mikko.
Achieving set goals requires teamwork – also in working life
Many professional athletes aim for World Championship titles. This is also Mikko’s dream.
“This summer, I had my first opportunity to participate in the World Championship games, where I came in 19th. 32 athletes participated in the competition. This summer’s European Championships showed that Finns have a good chance to compete for championship titles, and winning a championship medal is also one of my personal long-term goals,” says Mikko. Mikko was not able to participate in the European Championships this year due to an injury that interrupted his competition season.
Success requires many things. First, you must set ambitious goals, and you must pursue them in a systematic and determined manner. You also must believe that you can achieve the set goals.
“The principles for achieving your goals in sports and in working life are quite similar. You must have the courage to set ambitious goals, make a plan, and then work hard to achieve them. You also have to be able to react quickly to setbacks,” says Mikko.
However, whether you are an athlete or an employee, you must also have a strong support network to lean on.
“Although pole vaulting is an individual sport, success cannot be achieved alone. A support team consisting of a coach, training buddies, doctors, partners, family and friends ensures that you don’t have to tackle things alone.
Wellbeing is key
In addition to planning, determination, and a good support network, it is important to take care of yourself.
“It’s all about the whole. And wellbeing is an important part of this whole. If a person is not feeling well, it is very difficult to achieve results, both in sports and in working life. The key to wellbeing is balance: getting enough sleep, maintaining a healthy diet, and having a good support network,” says Mikko.
Financial and mental support are important resources for an athlete.
“It’s great that support is available, but you also have to know how to look for it yourself, and accept it when offered.”
Make time for rest and recovery
The life of a professional athlete must be planned in such a way that they have enough energy to give their best during training.
“During the autumn and spring seasons, we train approximately nine times a week. We train in a small group at Botniahalli in Vaasa. In addition to pole vaulting, the training includes running, gymnastics, and weight training,” says Mikko.
“You must give your best in every training session. This will lead to successful training days, successful training weeks, and successful training months. This is the secret of long-term success,” he continues.
A two-month indoor competition season begins in the winter, and the athletes must prepare for it through intense training. The second competition season takes place in the summer. In addition to professional sports, Mikko studies international trade at Vaasa University of Applied Sciences. Mikko studies part-time so that he can better focus on his career in sports.
“Business and especially international affairs have always interested me,” says Mikko.
In his spare time, Mikko likes to relax by watching TV, movies, and sports, and by spending time with his friends.
“Although I love training, in my spare time I have to make sure that my body gets enough rest. Taking care of my general wellbeing is important so as to achieve my goals.”
WHO
Mikko Paavola, pole vaulter, born January 16, 1998
Sports club: Alajärven Ankkurit
Achievements:
- World Athletics Championships, Eugene 2022, 19th place
- Finnish Athletics Champion 2020, 2021
- Finland-Sweden Athletics Competition, event win, 2020, 2021
- European Youth Championships representative 2017, 2019
- Several youth championship medals
Pole vault record: 571 cm.
