Evert Jakobsson

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameEvert Brynolf•Jakobsson
Used nameEvert•Jakobsson
Born16 February 1886 in Helsinki, Uusimaa (FIN)
Died16 July 1960 in Helsinki, Uusimaa (FIN)
Measurements184 cm / 74 kg
AffiliationsHelsingin Reipas, Helsinki (FIN)
NOC Finland

Biography

In addition to being a track and field athlete Evert Jakobsson also worked as a jurist and insurance manager, dabbled in local politics, headed a trade union, and fought for Finland’s White Guard. In 1906 Jakobsson set a world record for the two-handed javelin throw, beating the previous mark set by Eric Lemming. At the 1908 London Olympics Jakobsson competed in the javelin and freestyle javelin throws alongside his brother Jarl. The exact distance of the brothers’ throws was not recorded but a Finnish newspaper correspondent stated that they were both less than 40 metres. Evert was also scheduled to compete in the shot put but did not start the event.

Outside of sport Jakobsson was a deputy judge in addition being the CEO of an insurance company. From 1914 to 1930 he was on the municipal council of Hagga in the west of Helsinki and from 1922 to 1923 Jakobsson headed up a trade union.

Jakobsson was a non-commissioned officer in Finland’s White Guard during World War I. During his service he was bestowed with multiple honours including the Order of the Cross of Liberty (1st Class), the Civil Guard Medal of Merit, the Commemorative Medal of the Winter War, and the First Class Knight of the White Rose of Finland.

Personal Best: JT – 49.50 (1906).

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1908 Summer Olympics Athletics FIN Evert Jakobsson
Shot Put, Men (Olympic) DNS
Javelin Throw, Men (Olympic) AC
Javelin Throw, Freestyle, Men (Olympic) AC

Olympic family relations