ASPC Forum 2025 Day 1: Excellence Under Pressure: Leadership, Well-Being, and Sustainability

Helsinki set the stage for the ASPC Forum 2025 – Nordic Perspective in High-Performance Sports, as delegates gathered to explore what truly defines excellence in sports and leadership. The opening day wove together stories of discipline, resilience, and innovation, bringing to the forefront how high performance is not just about results, but about people, ethics, and sustainability.

The Forum began with a call to excellence from Nordic sports leaders. Simo Tarvonen, CEO of URHEA NOTC, and Tapio Korjus, Past ASPC President, inspired delegates with the vision of Nordic sports, stressing the importance of maintaining high-performance standards. Mika Poutala, Finland’s Minister of Youth, Sport, and Physical Activity, shared his journey from Olympic speed skater to policymaker, reminding participants that leadership is forged through discipline, resilience, experience, and the support of those who see you for who you are—beyond medals and achievements.

The first session, “High Performance Under Pressure: How Athletic Discipline Shapes Great Leaders,” featured Marianne Vikkula, COO of Wolt. Drawing on lessons from elite sports, Vikkula reinforced that focus, consistent effort, and the ability to perform under pressure are essential markers of excellence. She urged leaders to remember that, like in sports, true high performance depends not only on results but also on nurturing the wellbeing of every team member.

Continuing the theme of leadership, Fiona De Jong of the Australian Institute of Sport – European Training Centre spoke on “Leadership in International High-Performance Sport Centre.” Challenging delegates to go beyond their job descriptions, she asked: How can I solve problems? How can I create change for the next generation? De Jong’s message highlighted the value of believing in people, fostering fun and laughter, and cultivating a culture where excellence, happiness, and health thrive—showing that leadership is as much about people as it is about performance.

Gloria Viseras of the International Olympic Committee addressed Safe Sport: The Foundation for Excellence, stressing that protecting athletes’ well-being is essential for sustaining high-performance standards. She explained that safeguarding athletes goes beyond preventing physical harm—it includes mental health, ethical coaching, and creating an environment where athletes feel supported. Actively opening doors for athletes who have
experienced abuse, Viseras ensures they have a safe space to be heard. She emphasized that ethical responsibility is as critical as results, and that trust and safety within sports systems are the foundation for lasting excellence.

Sustainability emerged as another critical theme. Prof. Petteri Taalas of the Finnish Meteorological Institute explored how climate change is reshaping elite sports, from training methods to competition conditions, and stressed the need for athletes, coaches, and sports organizations to adapt strategies to ensure long-term performance and safety. He also underscored how environmental awareness is becoming an essential part of planning
competitions and developing resilient sports systems.

Meanwhile, Bill Tait of the Australian Institute of Sport spoke on “Win Well – Achieving Sustainable Performances in a United System,” emphasizing that true high performance is not just about short-term results, but about building systems that support athletes, coaches, and
teams over the long term. He pointed out the importance of collaboration, shared goals, and structures that enable consistent growth, showing that sustainable excellence comes from a well-connected and unified approach rather than isolated effort.

Other highlights of the 1st Day included a thrilling performance by Olarin Voimistelijat (OVO), an Espoo-based sports club known for high-quality exercise and gymnastics. The athletes brought energy, precision, and dedication to the stage, demonstrating excellence in practice while radiating joy and positivity.

Also, Tommy Lundberg from Karolinska Institutet have contributed with a vital discussion on inclusion in sports, presenting Transgender Sports from the Perspective of Women’s Sports and signifying the ethical and equitable standards required for true excellence.

The day was concluded with Sabine Hazboun of the IOC Olympic Refuge Foundation, who showed how humanitarian initiatives intersect with sports excellence. Showcasing programs that support refugees and vulnerable communities, Hazboun illustrated how sports can drive
positive social change. She stressed that promoting inclusion and global responsibility is as crucial as winning medals, reminding delegates that true excellence leaves a lasting impact beyond the playing field.

Day 1 made one thing clear: excellence is multifaceted. It demands discipline under pressure, ethical responsibility, sustainable practices, and a commitment to well-being. For students, professionals, and sports leaders alike, the challenge is to define personal and organizational standards of excellence that balance results, values, and lasting impact

By Helsinki Business College