Runner Janne Holmén on Aland stamp

Marathon medallist

The Aland Post has decided to pay tribute in a grand fashion to the sensational Aland gold medallist in the men's marathon in the European Athletics Championships, Janne Holmén.

Aland stamp produced at short notice

It is the first time an Aland stamp has been produced at such short notice. The Aland Post is also one of Janne's personal sponsors. The stamp is based on a photo by Christian Charisius.

Janne Holméns victory

Sunday 11 August 2002 became an unforgettable day in the Aland history of sports. Janne Holmén from the village Ingby in Aland was the youngest man in the field and starting only his second ever marathon. He chose early to break away from the group, joined only by a Norwegian, None of his other competitors seemed to take the breakaway seriously. The gamble gave him a runaway victory with more than a minute to the silver medallist. The sensational achievement shocked all of Europe and became Finland's only gold medal of the Athletics Championships.

Running career

Janne Holmén is 25 years old and alongside his running career he is also a doctorate candidate in history at the University of Uppsala. His track record before achieving this gold medal included a number of national gold medals and a silver medal from the European U23 on 10,000m. However, he has family traditions to take after. His mother Nina Holmén won the European 3000m gold medal for Finland in Rome in 1974. His father Rune too was successful on the tracks and competed in the European Championships. Rune Holmén is also Janne's coach, and they now have the Olympics in Athens 2004 in view.
Issue: Aland, 1 November 2002

More information

Stamps Aland
Postage Stamps 2002