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Jarkko "Liekki" Mehtälä is 38 years young and has been competing in Strongman since 2006 with a few years' break between 2017 and 2020.
Jarkko lives in Haapajärvi, Northern Ostrobothnia in Finland. His family consists of a wife, three children, and a dog.
After years of work and dedication, he has finally reached the top – in 2023, he stood as the champion and won the title of Finland's Strongest Man. His dream became reality.
Instagram: jarkko_mehtala
Jarkko's journey in Strongman began in 2006, a year after military service, when he realized he needed to start working out. He started with a training program designed by a friend who had previously competed in Strongman. It was not more than a few weeks before people started encouraging him to participate in a competition, which would take place just a month after he started his training. At first, he laughed at the thought, but perhaps he was a bit crazy, because he participated. He did not come last, and his heart was lost to the sport of Strongman.
Jarkko has always been larger and stronger than most, and has been involved in sports all his life, so he had a good base to start from.
In 2010, he suffered a severe knee injury, just when he was at his peak, and doctors said he would never be able to squat again. He refused to believe it and instead started working even harder. He lost weight, and competed in the 105 kg class, winning the Finnish National Cup in 2012 and 2014.
After a break from competition between 2017 and 2020, Jarkko dedicated himself to his family and sought new motivation. Despite the absence of official competitions during these years, his passion for training continued to burn brightly. His commitment was proven when, with an impressive body weight of 153 kg, he completed a half marathon.
With an unwavering will, he decided to once again set his sights on the prestigious title: Finland's Strongest Man. In 2022, he was close; he secured second place, showing he was back to claim the title.
2023 was the year when everything fell into place. Jarkko's hard work, persistence, and passion for the sport led him to the coveted title of Finland's Strongest Man. With this triumph, he not only asserted his dominance in national Strongman sports but also rightfully earned his place in the prestigious Strongman Champions League.
The joy and pride shine in his eyes - Jarkko is not only back, but he's better than ever.
"I discovered the brand NTGear completely by chance when it was not yet particularly well known on the Finnish market. I was looking for new neoprene shorts and couldn't believe the price. I thought it was too good to be true, but I decided to give it a try and was pleasantly surprised; the product was fantastic and the price was reasonable. The neoprene shorts are still my favourite equipment. I couldn't imagine doing anything without them. They warm me up nicely and prepare me for heavy lifts. Other favourites include the neoprene belt, which also provides excellent heat and support. In addition, I often use liquid chalk, wrist wraps and smelling salts. These items are all exceptional and constantly in use."