Unni Helland is 67 but retirement seldom crosses her mind. Indefatigable and spirited as ever, she now has fresh motivation to continue her dedication to athletics in Norway.
The Norwegian Athletics Federation (Norges Fri-idrettsforbund) honoured Helland as its national winner of the inaugural European Athletics Women's Leadership Awards at their awards dinner last week.
'I am truly honoured. I take this as an acknowledgement, and hope this is recognition for the work done and not because I am a woman,' said Helland.
'I also hope this may inspire other women,' said Helland before adding with a smile, 'I also hope this is not a sign that it is time for me to retire.'
Norwegian Federation President Svein Arne Hansen, who awarded Helland with her national winner's certificate, praised Helland for her commitment to Norwegian athletics.
'On our part, it was simple to appoint the first Norwegian nominee,' said Hansen, who has known Helland for more than 40 years. 'Unni Helland has an incredible go-ahead spirit and commitment. She is a fantastic leader and coach who has always been there for her athletes. She has a burning passion for athletics and young athletes.'
Given her age, Helland may have to step down from her current employment at the Athletics District of Oslo after 25 years of service, but she plans to continue coaching while 'the youngsters think it is all right to continue.'
'When I am getting too old or awkward to work with, I hope someone will tell me. Coaching and workouts must always be on terms of the young people. This is a rule I have lived by. When they prosper and think training is fun, results will follow - it is that simple.'
It is obvious that youth coaching means a lot to her: 'You never really grow up, for better or worse,' said Helland.
Helland says she enjoys seeing her athletics club win as many medals as possible but it's not the be all and end all for her.
'Everyone cannot be a top athlete, but everyone can progress and make personal records. It is just as rewarding to see a more average athlete progress and show the joy of their own progression. A medal in the district championships can be just as big as one in the national championships.'
Rune Stenersen, chairman of the BUL club, where Helland has been coaching athletes for four decades, paid tribute to her unwavering service: 'Unni is a fantastic person. Thousands of young people have benefited from her over the years. She does not just take care of young talent, she keeps a motherly eye on them even when they are older. She looks after us all. She is the glue and represents continuity in our club.'
Helland has lived in Oslo since she was 16 and became a member of the BUL club in 1958. In the initial years, she was part of the club's high-quality squad of athletes, winning a silver medal in the Long Jump at the national championships in 1962. She has also competed in sprints and hurdles. Her career as a coach started after she hung up her spikes in 1969.
Her husband, Thor, was an international long-distance runner in the 1960s, and their two sons have been athletes for a number of years. Thor coached top runners for several years before turning his attention to coaching younger athletes, a move Helland appreciated.
'Earlier we worked in different fields of athletics, but now we work together. We are both in our ‘second youth,'' said Helland.
23rd November 2009 12:59