Risto Kala

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameRisto Antero•Kala
Used nameRisto•Kala
Nick/petnamesFisu
Born24 July 1941 in Helsinki, Uusimaa (FIN)
Died25 November 2021 in Vantaa, Uusimaa (FIN)
Measurements187 cm / 77-79 kg
AffiliationsPantterit, Helsinki (FIN)
NOC Finland

Biography

Risto Kala played basketball for Finland at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. He was twice a Finnish Champion, won one Nordic Championship, and earned 37 international caps. He continued to play recreationally for over 70 years.

Kala was a physician who earned his doctorate in medicine in 1972, became an associate professor of internal medicine in 1982, and professor in 2003. He specialized in cardiology and was chief medical officer of Maria Hospital from 1983-2005. His research focused on the athlete’s heart, and in particular the EKG and ultrasound changes caused by sports, which made for difficult diagnostic problems. He also served as a doctor for the national basketball team. In 2018, Kala was elected to the Finnish Hall of Fame Gallery.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1964 Summer Olympics Basketball (Basketball) FIN Risto Kala
Basketball, Men (Olympic) Finland 11