The new President of Finland is a triathlon fan with a European Long Distance title to his name

Last Sunday, former Finnish Prime Minister Alexander Stubb was re-elected to office after a triumphant return to politics, as the 55-year-old became President following a seven-year hiatus from politics.

Stubb, who is an avid triathlete, was reported to have previously set about turning the foreign ministry into a healthier environment, by swapping the pastries and coffee for fruit and healthy drinks.

As well as having raced at the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship last year which was held in Lahti, Finland, the former banker and academic also has a European age-group title to his name.

A Long Distance Champion

After it was revealed that the new King of Denmark was also an avid long course triathlon fan last month, there seems to be a trend of triathlon talent amongst people in positions of power.

Having finished on the podium at the Finnish national championship for the 50-54 age group over the sprint distance, Olympic distance and middle distance in 2022, Stubb claimed his biggest title in Almere at the end of that summer.

Finishing in a stunning time of 9:56:02, the polyglot won his age category and took home the 50-54 Europe Triathlon Challenge Long Distance Championship title.

The Lahti legend

Racing last summer at the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Lahti, just after announcing his return to politics, Stubb finished 15th in the 55-59 age group with a time of 4:40:18.

Splitting a pretty impressive bike split of 2:20:15, the President also managed to run 1:37:13 off the bike, some feat considering the challenging run course with its rolling hills.

With a lot on his plate now that he’s the President, we’re not sure if Stubb will make any start lines this season, but if he does, it will be great to see what a sitting world leader can do over swim-bike-run!