Pekka Vasala

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full namePekka Antero•Vasala
Used namePekka•Vasala
Born17 April 1948 in Riihimäki, Kanta-Häme (FIN)
Measurements184 cm / 63-65 kg
AffiliationsRiihimäen Kisko, Riihimäki (FIN) / Mäntsälän Urheilijat, Mäntsälä (FIN)
NOC Finland
Medals OG
Gold 1
Silver 0
Bronze 0
Total 1

Biography

Pekka Vasala was not even considered a medal contender in the 1,500 m at the 1972 München Olympics, but he shockingly won gold over Kip Keino. Vasala had competed at the 1968 Olympics, where he was eliminated in his first round heat of 1,500 m, but he had not previously won a major international medal and his Olympic title would be his only one. At both the 1969 and 1971 European Championships, Vasala reached the 1,500 m finals, but finished ninth both years. Vasala’s last international competition came at the 1974 European Championships, where he placed sixth in the 1,500 m. He won six Finnish titles – the 800 m in 1970-72 and the 1,500 m in 1969-71.

Personal Best: 1500 – 3:36.33 (1972).

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1968 Summer Olympics Athletics FIN Pekka Vasala
1,500 metres, Men (Olympic) 9 h4 r1/3
1972 Summer Olympics Athletics FIN Pekka Vasala
1,500 metres, Men (Olympic) 1 Gold

Olympic family relations