Famous Finnish Athletes

Teemu Selänne is a retired Finnish professional ice hockey winger who played 21 seasons in the NHL for the Winnipeg Jets, Anaheim Ducks, San Jose Sharks, and Colorado Avalanche. Known as "the Finnish Flash," he holds the title of the highest-scoring Finn in NHL history. Selänne achieved numerous accolades during his career, including the Calder Memorial Trophy for best rookie, the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy for leading goal scorer, and a Stanley Cup championship with the Ducks in 2007. He was also a prominent member of the Finland national team, winning multiple medals at international competitions.

Paavo Johannes Nurmi was a Finnish middle-distance and long-distance runner known as the "Flying Finn" or the "Phantom Finn" for his dominance in distance running during the 1920s. He set 22 official world records at distances ranging from 1,500 meters to 20 kilometers and achieved unparalleled success at the Summer Olympic Games, winning nine gold and three silver medals. Nurmi maintained a remarkable undefeated streak of 121 races in distances from 800 meters upwards and remained unbeaten in cross country events and the 10,000 meters throughout his 14-year career.

Lasse Virén is a Finnish former long-distance runner renowned for his exceptional achievements at the 1972 and 1976 Summer Olympics, where he secured four gold medals. He revived the legacy of the "Flying Finns" from the 1920s with his remarkable performances. Virén was honored as the Finnish Sportsman of the Year in 1972 and 1976. Following his athletic career, he transitioned into politics and served as a member of Finland's parliament from 1999 to 2007 and then from 2010 to 2011.

Kaisa Leena Mäkäräinen is a retired Finnish biathlete who has achieved significant success in her career. She is a former world champion and has won the world cup three times. Currently representing Kontiolahden Urheilijat, Mäkäräinen is also pursuing studies to become a Physics teacher at the University of Eastern Finland. She is guided by Jonne Kähkönen as her team coach and Jarmo Punkkinen as her ski coach, demonstrating her dedication and commitment to both sports and education.

Hannes Kolehmainen was a Finnish four-time Olympic gold medalist and world record holder in middle- and long-distance running. He competed for years in the United States, representing the Irish American Athletic Club and serving in the National Guard. Kolehmainen became a U.S. citizen in 1921. He was known as one of the "Flying Finns" and was a devoted vegetarian. Kolehmainen's sportive career included winning gold medals in the 1912 and 1920 Olympics, with a specialty in the marathon. He passed the torch to Paavo Nurmi at the 1952 Summer Olympics.

Ville Ritola was a renowned Finnish long-distance runner known as one of the "Flying Finns." He achieved remarkable success in the 1920s, winning five Olympic gold medals and three silver medals. Notably, he holds the record for the most athletics medals won at a single Games, with four golds and two silvers in Paris 1924. His exceptional performances solidified his status as one of the greatest long-distance runners of his time and a significant figure in the history of Olympic athletics.

Manuela Bosco is a versatile professional with a background in both athletics and performing arts. She transitioned from a successful career as a hurdler to become a renowned actress in Finland. With her athletic discipline and dedication, Bosco has brought a unique physicality and commitment to her acting roles. Her ability to excel in two distinct fields demonstrates her versatility and talent. Bosco's professional journey showcases her passion for pushing boundaries and exploring new creative avenues.

Volmari "Vomma" Fritijof Iso-Hollo was a Finnish runner known for his exceptional achievements in distance running during the interwar period. He competed in the 1932 and 1936 Olympics, winning two gold, one silver, and one bronze medal in events such as the 3000 m steeplechase and 10,000 m. Iso-Hollo was part of the renowned "Flying Finns" group of athletes. He set world records in the steeplechase and continued to excel in various distances until his retirement in 1945.

Sari Miriam Essayah is a Finnish retired racewalker and politician with a notable career in sports and public service. She has excelled in racewalking competitions, winning the World Championship in 1993 and the European Championship in 1994. Holding seven national records in 5,000 and 10,000 meters, she has left a lasting mark in Finnish athletics. Essayah transitioned into politics and has served as a Member of the European Parliament, Member of Parliament, and currently as Minister of Agriculture and Forestry. Additionally, she is the president of the Finnish Christian Democrats party and a member of the International Olympic Committee.

Viljo Heino was a distinguished Finnish athlete known for his expertise in long-distance running. His career peaked during the 1948 Olympic Games in London, where he competed in the marathon and 10,000 meters events. He gained widespread recognition for holding the world record in the 10,000 meters race from 1944 to 1949. In 1949, he was honored with the title of Finnish Sportspersonality of the Year, solidifying his status as a respected and celebrated figure in the world of sports.

Seppo Henrik Räty is a retired Finnish track and field athlete known for his achievements in the javelin throw. He was a World Champion, winning gold in 1987, and an Olympic medalist with silver in 1992, bronze in 1988 and 1996. Räty held a world record for javelin throw but it was later deleted due to the use of a banned javelin. After retiring, he transitioned to coaching and currently mentors another javelin thrower.

Matti Henrikki Järvinen was a legendary Finnish javelin thrower known for his exceptional achievements in the sport. He won the Olympic gold medal in 1932 with a record-breaking throw of 72.71 meters and dominated the javelin world with multiple world records from 1930 to 1936. Järvinen also secured the European championship in 1934 and successfully defended his title in 1938. His remarkable career extended beyond the Olympics, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport.