Alisa Vainio has shown remarkable form in recent months, significantly improving her marathon record in Finland three times over the last four months. Her latest achievement came during the Sevilla Marathon, where she not only won the race but also set a new Finnish record with a time of 2:20:39. This run established a new Nordic record, showcasing her exceptional talent and determination. Marathon expert Lauri Hollo expressed astonishment at Vainio's recent successes, highlighting her fifth-place finish at the World Championships in November followed by three consecutive records, stating that her ability to recover from marathons is nearly unparalleled.

Despite her outstanding performance, Hollo cautions against making direct comparisons with other athletes, such as Sifan Hassan, who won Olympic gold in 2024 with a time slower by over two minutes than Vainio's recent run. He points out that competition conditions and race routes significantly influence marathon times, especially in major championships, which tend to be more challenging. Thus, while Vainio's times are noteworthy, one should be careful before drawing unwarranted comparisons with other marathon achievements.

As Vainio continues to dominate the marathon scene in Finland and beyond, her recent performances spark discussions about her potential future in the sport. At just 28 years old, she is proving to be a formidable athlete on the international stage. The momentum she has generated not only uplifts Finnish athletics but also positions her as a potential contender in upcoming international events, further enticing fans and experts alike to follow her journey closely.