Vilma Viitanen Returns After Burnout, Eyes Los Angeles 2028
Vilma Viitanen, 25, has returned to competitive boxing after nutritional coaching and is aiming to qualify for the 2028 Olympics while working as an animal clinic nurse in Kangasala.
Vilma Viitanen, 25, said she "ate too little and burned out" when she stopped boxing, YLE reported. After nutritional coaching she has returned to competition and is aiming for a spot at the 2028 Olympics. She works as an animal clinic nurse in Ruutana, Kangasala. Viitanen quit the sport in summer 2024 but kept working at the clinic while recovering.
A former top Finnish prospect with European silver medals at under-17 and under-22 levels, Viitanen narrowly missed qualification for Paris after losing a deciding bout by split decision.
Her comeback this year included a return fight in June in Tallinn, and guidance from nutrition coach Matias Koistinen has been pivotal. She now weighs meals and tracks carbohydrates, proteins and fats. The change has revived her energy and performance.
She has mixed professional and amateur outings. Viitanen won an amateur tournament in Denmark, trained in the Czech Republic and at Pajulahti, and prepares at Juju Pispala gym under coach Askar Sarsenbajev.
Viitanen plans to use domestic events such as the Tammer Tournament to test herself against strong opponents as she builds toward the long shot of Los Angeles 2028.
Catch the full story over at YLE
