Personal Data
- Jenni Mikkonen (born Honkanen)
- Born in: 24.02.1980
- Home town: Lahti
- Width: 173 cm
- Weight: 66 kg
- Kayak club: Vesisamoilijat, Lahti
- Student (Tampere University of Technology, Industrial Engineering and Management)
I started paddling on the paddling course of Vesisamoilijat in Lahti when I was 9 years old. I went to Joutjärvi with my friends, and that's where I still am. It was at the age of 14 when I started active and determined training.
I never competed in any other sports than paddling, but as a young girl I did woman's gymnastics and my parents teached me skiing before I was even three! Today, my training program naturally includes paddling, but also skiing, swimming, jogging, Nordic Walking and also strength training at the gym and general muscular care.
So far the Athens 2004 Olympic Games and my first world championship medal on summer 2006 have been the highlights of my career. At the moment my main goal is set for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, but I might still be seen in London 2012.
At the moment I'm practically a full-time athlete. My studies in Tampere University of Technology are totally dependent on my training, so they're progressing slowly but surely.
Motto: "Pain is a friend"
As a top-ranking athlete I know that sometimes it's needed to exercise so that it's somewhat painful - which is mandatory for developing. I absolutely don't support violence, no mental nor physical, and neither do I mean pain affected by diseases. However, I want to spread the message "Pain is a friend" so that young paddlers approaching the international standards and also young athletes in other sports would understand how important it is to train so that after the exercise you really feel that you've done something.
