Kristiina Mäkelä
A Finnish triple jumper who has soared to become her nation's consistent force on the global athletics stage, pushing the boundaries of her event.
Born 1992 (age 34)·Finnish triple jumper·Birthday: November 20·Millennials
Biography
Kristiina Mäkelä emerged from Finland's strong tradition in field events to carve her own path in the demanding triple jump. Born in 1992, she honed her technique through the national system, developing a powerful and rhythmic style. Her career is defined by remarkable consistency at the highest level, becoming a fixture in major championships. While an Olympic or World Championship podium has remained elusive, her presence in finals and her steady improvement have made her a respected competitor. Mäkelä's personal best of 14.64 meters stands as a testament to her talent, keeping her in contention in a deeply competitive field and inspiring the next generation of Finnish jumpers.
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.
Kristiina was born in 1992, 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 Kristiina Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Kristiina's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1992Born
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1997Started school
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2005Became a teenager
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Could drive
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2010Could vote
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2013Turned 21
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2022Turned 30
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 34 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Competed in two Olympic Games, representing Finland in the triple jump.
- Achieved a 9th place finish at the 2022 World Athletics Championships, a top-ten global ranking.
- Holds a personal best outdoor triple jump of 14.64 meters.
- Has qualified for and competed in four World Athletics Championships.
Did You Know?
Her indoor personal best is 14.38 meters, showing her ability to perform in different environments.
She shares her birth year (1992) with several other elite athletes in this list, like Jenna Prandini.
The name 'Meri' in her full name, Meri Kristiina Mäkelä, means 'sea' in Finnish.
“The board is my target, and I must hit it perfectly.”
