Lahti hosts world championships in Nordic walking this weekend

This weekend, Lahti, Finland, is set to host the World Championships in Nordic walking. The event is organized by the International Nordic Walking Association (INWA) in collaboration with the Finlandia Skiing event. Similar competitions have previously been held abroad. The championships feature multiple categories catering to various skill levels and age groups, with many participants viewing their involvement as a significant achievement, rather than solely competing for medals, according to Markku Levanen, the event director for Finlandia Skiing.

Participants are required to understand the rules and technique of Nordic walking, as judges will monitor compliance throughout the course. Drone footage will also be utilized to capture the competition. Athletes risk disqualification for improper technique.

Markku Levanen emphasized the importance of the championships as a complementary event to the Finlandia Skiing. The peak of Nordic walking’s popularity in Finland occurred in the 1980s and 1990s, transitioning from a training method to a mainstream fitness activity, despite initial perceptions of it being strange without ski poles. The sport was further developed and recognized as an effective fitness form, leading to its global introduction with the English term “nordic walking.”

The establishment of various associations followed, with INWA being the largest and oldest, boasting 20 national member organizations and activities in over 30 countries. According to its founder, Aki Karihtala, the organization now encompasses more than 13 million aficionados worldwide, with Indonesia being the latest country to join.

Out of an estimated 400 competitors in Lahti, around 75 percent are expected to be from abroad. The largest groups will be from Latvia, Croatia, and Poland, with the furthest participants traveling from China, Japan, the United States, and Canada. There are discussions about future collaborations between Finlandia Skiing and INWA, potentially hosting European Championships in Lahti.