Finnish hurdler Kristiina Halonen sidelined by severe knee injury

Kristiina Halonen, a two‑time World and European Championships hurdler for Finland, ended her 2024 season after a training accident at the Lappeenranta sports hall. The fall caused a torn anterior cruciate ligament, posterior cruciate ligament, a ruptured meniscus and two patellar dislocations in her right knee. Surgery is scheduled for next week, followed by an estimated year‑long rehabilitation. Halonen said she is unlikely to compete next summer and hopes to return to competition by 2028. She has previously won the Kalevan Games title and three other medals, and holds a personal best of 55.32 seconds in the 400‑metre hurdles.

The Finnish Athletics Federation confirmed the injury and expressed confidence in Halonen’s medical team and her determination to recover.