Yleisurheilu

Yleisurheilu, the Finnish term for track and field athletics, encompasses the events of running, jumping, throwing, and the combined disciplines. It covers sprints, middle- and long-distance races, hurdles and steeplechase, jumps such as high jump and pole vault, throws including shot put, discus, hammer, and javelin, as well as combined events (decathlon for men and heptathlon for women). The sport is practiced at club, school, and national levels and includes both indoor and outdoor seasons.

In Finland, yleisurheilu is organized under the national athletics federation and is connected to international bodies such as World Athletics and European Athletics. The sport maintains a seasonal calendar with domestic competitions, development meets, and elite meets, providing a pathway from youth participation to national and international competition. The Kalevan kisat is the traditional Finnish national championships in track and field, and other prominent annual events, including international meets hosted in Finland, complement the program.

Historically, Finland has produced notable athletes in endurance and field events, contributing to the sport's international presence with participation in the Olympics and world championships. The development structure emphasizes club involvement, coaching, and school-level programs to foster participation and high performance. Overall, yleisurheilu serves as a foundational sport in Finland, promoting athletic participation, community involvement, and competitive success across ages and genders.