Joakim Puhk

Biographical information

RolesAdministrator
SexMale
Full nameJoakim•Puhk
Used nameJoakim•Puhk
Born25 May 1888 in Viljandi, Viljandimaa (EST)
Died14 September 1942 in Kirov, Kirov (RUS)
NOC Estonia

Biography

Joachim Puhk studied at the Riga Commercial School and then became an industrialist and politician. He became an IOC Member in July 1936 but sadly served only a short time. In World War II Puhk and his three brothers were arrested by the Soviets and interned at the Vyatka Prison Camp in Kirov. His youngest brother escaped and notified IOC President J. Sigfrid Edström of his brother’s fate. Edstrom used his contacts to help obtain Puhk’s release, but was unsuccessful and Puhk was sentenced to death by the NKVD on 8 August 1942 and executed one month later.

Organization roles

Role Organization Tenure NOC As
Member International Olympic Committee 1936—1942 EST Joakim Puhk