Valio begins a new partnership with the multi-event athlete Saga Vanninen. The collaboration will be visible across Valio’s marketing, events, social media channels and communications. In addition, Saga acts as a sponsor of the Valio Academy® programme. Valio Akatemia® programme promotes exercise and well-being among children and young people.
Saga Vanninen, who has won two senior and five junior gold medals in combined events, is one of Finland’s brightest rising stars in athletics. She is currently preparing for upcoming major competitions: her near-term goals are the World Athletics Indoor Championships in mid-March and the European Championships around August. In the longer term, her aim is the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The most significant moment in Saga’s career so far has been winning gold at the 2025 European Indoor Championships, which was her first senior-level major championship victory.
Everyday life built on familiar, functional choices
Valio’s products have been part of Saga’s day-to-day life since childhood. In the 2025 season, her three favourite products were Valio soft quark, Valio Hyvä suomalainen Arki® cottage cheese, and Oddlygood® Barista oat drink Delight. These are basic products in daily use that she takes to training and enjoys as snacks. Valio PROfeel® protein drinks and quarks, especially in mint chocolate flavour, are also an important part of her routine. Valio Keisarinna® cheese is a go-to product for the whole family.
Familiar products also travel with her on training and competition trips. Much of Saga’s everyday life takes place in Estonia, where her Estonian coach lives. Valio is also a major brand in Estonia, and local Valio products are familiar to Saga. As one example she mentions Valio Gefilus kefir kama, a kefir enriched with grain- and pea-based kama flour – a traditional Estonian ingredient similar to Finnish talkkuna.
The most important lesson from sport: joy and courage to try
Even though Saga’s training is structured with long-term goals, joy is always part of it. Even when heading to a training session feels tough, clear goals and an inspiring training team keep her motivated and focused. Saga mainly trains with a small group, and training with teammates brings with it some friendly competition and a supportive atmosphere.
“The most important thing is to enjoy moving and doing sports in the moment. You shouldn’t focus only on results, but also remember to enjoy the journey toward your goals”, she says.
Her message to young athletes and children thinking about starting sports is encouraging. Saga herself made her final choice of sport at the age of 14; until then she mainly played football.
”It’s worth trying out different sports – which one could be your thing? Not just because you should exercise, but also because you can find something inspiring and enjoyable to do.”
Not everything has to be goal-oriented, and the main thing is to find enjoyment in physical activity.
Partnership in benefit of children and young people
Collaboration with Valio is especially meaningful for Saga.
”For me, Valio is a dream partner with values that align with mine. Supporting physical activity among children and young people is important to me too, and it is great to be able to act as a role model and inspiration. Similarly, encounters with children and young people, for example at competitions, are very important to me”, says Saga.
