Väinö Markkanen

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameVäinö Johannes•Markkanen
Used nameVäinö•Markkanen
Born9 May 1929 in Paltamo, Kainuu (FIN)
Died10 June 2022 in Lohja, Uusimaa (FIN)
Measurements170 cm / 66-70 kg
NOC Finland
Medals OG
Gold 1
Silver 0
Bronze 0
Total 1

Biography

Orphaned at the age of six, Väinö Markkanen found work with the Border Guard as a young adult and began training with a pistol in 1951. He won his first of 21 national titles in 1958 and made his international début for Finland at the 1962 World Championships, where he was ninth in the 50 metre pistol event. After disappointing results at the 1963 European Championships, he had the greatest success of his career the following year, when he took gold in free pistol, 50 metres competition at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

Markkanen never again competed at the Olympics, but he did take part in three more editions of the World Championships, 1966, 1970, and 1974, winning bronze in the 25 metre centre-fire pistol team event at the latter tournament. He also took bronze in the free pistol team competition at the 1969 European Championships, in addition to two individual Nordic titles in 1965 (large pistol) and 1973 (standard pistol).

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1964 Summer Olympics Shooting FIN Väinö Markkanen
Free Pistol, 50 metres, Men (Olympic) 1 Gold

Special Notes