Johan Kemp

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameJohan Valdemar•Kemp (Kemppainen-)
Used nameJohan•Kemp
Born1 July 1881 in Helsinki, Uusimaa (FIN)
Died20 October 1941 in Lahti, Päijät-Häme (FIN)
AffiliationsHelsingfors Gymnastikklubb, Helsinki (FIN)
NOC Finland
Medals OG
Gold 0
Silver 0
Bronze 1
Total 1

Biography

Finnish bank manager Johan Kemp was an all-round sportsman who later fought for the Lahti White Guard. In 1903 Kemp participated in the call-up strikes against the mandatory conscription for soldiers in the Grand Duchy of Finland and the Russian Empire. Fearing for his own safety he spent time in Lapland before returning home to continue with his activism.

At the 1908 London Olympics Kemp represented Finland in athletics and gymnastics. In the latter he was part of the Finnish team that won the bronze medal in the all-round team event. In the track and field events Kemp competed in the javelin but did not advance from his qualification heat. He was also listed to compete in the discus and shot put events but did not start in them.

After leaving the University of Helsinki Kemp began working in a bank in Lahti. By 1919 he had become the branch manager, a position that he held for more than 20 years. In 1917 Kemp became a member of the White Guard where he was involved in a firefight against Russian soldiers at a nearby railway station. In the Finnish Civil War he continued to represent the White Guard on the frontline.

Personal Best: JT – 40.90 (1900).

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1908 Summer Olympics Athletics FIN Johan Kemp
Shot Put, Men (Olympic) DNS
Discus Throw, Men (Olympic) DNS
Discus Throw, Greek Style, Men (Olympic) DNS
Javelin Throw, Freestyle, Men (Olympic) AC
Artistic Gymnastics (Gymnastics) FIN Johan Kemp
Team All-Around, Men (Olympic) Finland 3 Bronze