Toni Keränen’s parents express pride and excitement during Olympic debut in Tokyo

Toni Keränen’s parents, Timo and Anne, have watched their son make his debut at the Olympics with a mix of nervousness and pride. The atmosphere in the stands during his decisive throw was electric, according to them. “When he exceeded the qualification mark, the audience went wild. There were probably over 80,000 people watching. It was an incredible experience, especially when it’s your own son competing,” Timo Keränen described.

Anne also noted that their role as supporters was recognized in the crowd. “A Finnish couple sat behind us. We told them our son was competing, and people from around the world seemed to understand and cheered along with us.”

Toni secured his spot in the finals on Tuesday with a personal best throw of 85.27 meters, well above the qualifying mark of 84 meters. As they looked ahead to Thursday night’s final, his parents felt hopeful. “I would say there’s a really good feeling right now. Maybe the nerves will kick in closer to the event, but for now, I feel calm and positive,” said Timo.

“It’s wonderful to be here as Finns during this event, especially with these three musketeers competing,” Anne added enthusiastically.

Timo praised Toni’s ability to handle pressure, emphasizing his strength in high-stakes situations. “He excels when it counts and seeks out challenges,” he remarked.

Throughout the Olympics, the couple has refrained from discussing sports with Toni, focusing instead on everyday topics like cabin rentals and boat purchases. “Before every competition, I remind him to enjoy the day and the whole experience. A lot of work has gone into this, and now the dream is at hand,” Anne said.