Jutta Merilainen

Jutta Merilainen started her college career as a 31 year old mother of four.  She was nervous to compete against younger student athletes but soon proved they should be nervous of her.  In her inaugural race Jutta finished in first place.  From that day on she completely dominated cross country running at the OCAA level.  She won every race she entered and was twice OCAA champion and led her team to an OCAA gold medal in 2004.  She was twice an OCAA All-Star, twice an OCAA Academic Award winner and was Loyalist Female Athlete of the Year on two occasions.

At the National Championships she captured the CCAA silver medal in two consecutive years. As a team the Lancers won a CCAA bronze medal in 2004. Merilainen also won two CCAA silver medals as a member of Team Ontario.  In addition she was a two time CCAA All-Canadian and a two time CCAA Academic All-Canadian.

Jutta continued to compete at the OUA level for Trent University and finished in the top ten at the OUA Championships in both years.  After graduating from the Nursing program Jutta took part in many marathons finishing first several times.  At the time of her induction Jutta is still competing in marathons and triathlons.