Grete Griffin
An Estonian multi-event talent who rose to become her nation's premier heptathlete, consistently challenging for places in major international finals.
Born 1993 (age 33)·Estonian heptathlete·Birthday: May 29·Millennials
Biography
Grete Griffin, competing under her maiden name Šadeiko, emerged as the standard-bearer for Estonian athletics in the demanding heptathlon. Her career is a testament to steady progression and competitive grit. A standout junior, she announced her arrival by winning the heptathlon gold at the 2011 European Junior Championships. Transitioning to the senior ranks, she became a fixture at European and World Championships, often finishing in the coveted top-12 positions that mark the world's elite. Griffin's strength lies in her consistency across all seven events, with particular prowess in the hurdles and long jump. While the podium at the very largest global events remained elusive, her ability to deliver solid, high-scoring performances made her a respected competitor and a national favorite. Her career trajectory showcases the challenging path of a small-nation athlete competing in one of track and field's most grueling disciplines, consistently putting Estonia on the multi-event map.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Grete was born in 1993, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Grete Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Grete's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1993Born
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
1998Started school
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2006Became a teenager
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Could drive
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2011Could vote
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2014Turned 21
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2023Turned 30
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 33 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the heptathlon gold medal at the 2011 European Athletics Junior Championships in Tallinn.
- Placed 10th in the heptathlon at the 2016 European Athletics Championships in Amsterdam.
- Finished 12th in the heptathlon at the 2017 World Athletics Championships in London.
- Holds a personal best in the heptathlon of 6,316 points, achieved at the 2017 World Championships.
- Represented Estonia at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Did You Know?
She is the older sister of another Estonian international heptathlete, Grit Šadeiko.
Griffin studied and trained at Florida State University in the United States on an athletic scholarship.
She married American football player Garrett Griffin, a tight end, in 2019 and competes under his surname.
Her father, Andres Šadeiko, was a decathlete, giving athletics a strong family tradition.
She speaks fluent Estonian, English, and Russian.
“The heptathlon is seven battles, and you must be ready to fight every one.”
