Anton Collin

Anton Collin was a Finnish cross-country skier and cyclist who competed at both the Summer and Winter Olympics.

Collin won the Holmenkollen 50 km cross-country event in Oslo in 1922 to become the first non-Norwegian skier to win the race. Collin’s win inspired Lauri Pihkala to develop Finland’s own version of the Holmenkollen. The Salpausselän kisat was created in Lahti. The Lahden Hiihtoseura (Lahti Ski Club) was founded with Collin joining it. The first edition of the Salpausselän Games took place in 1923, with Collin winning the 10 kilometres.

Collin competed in the 18 kilometres cross-country at the 1924 Chamonix Olympics where he finished in 16th place. Collin also competed in the 50 kilometres but he did not finish the race. Some five months later, Collin competed as a cyclist at the 1924 Paris Olympics. Collin did not complete the 188 kilometres road course but was awarded a 13th place finish as part of Finland’s team in the team race.