Finnish President Alexander Stubb is no stranger to the world of endurance sports and was overjoyed after taking part in a 24-kilometre downstream river race.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb and his wife Susanne Innes-Stubb were among the participants in the Downhill Swim in Oulanka National Park, near the Finnish-Russian border in Kuusamo.

The 24-kilometre downstream race was held for the fourth time on Saturday in the Oulanka River.

The Stubbs are no strangers to endurance sports, both regularly competing in triathlons. Last summer, President Stubb finished first in his age group in a half Ironman in Lathi with a time of 4:35:50.

But none of his previous matches compared to Saturday’s, the president said.

“I’ve been to many sporting events over the years but this is without a doubt the best ever. An epic experience,” Stubb wrote on the social media website X (formerly Twitter).

According to Kalle Kotirantathe organizer of the event, the president’s participation did not require any action from his team.

“When the president is out and about, he has security with him. They are very discreet,” Kotiranta told Yle.

This was also the first athletics event that Stubb participated in as president. Stubb had previously competed in athletics events as prime minister. Stubb’s predecessor Sauli Niinistö played in the Save Pond Hockey tournament during his tenure.

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