Jorma Kinnunen

Jorma Kinnunen competed at three Olympic Games as a javelin thrower, winning a silver medal in 1968. He was one of the world’s top javelin throwers in the late 1960s and 1970s. In June 1969 Kinnunen broke the world record with a mark of 92.70 at Tampere. He was favored that year at the 1969 European Championships but struggled and finished 10th. He also competed at the European Championships in 1971, placing fifth; 1969, placing 10th; and 1966, finishing 12th.

His son, Kimmo Kinnunen, followed his father and threw the javelin at three Olympics. Jorma Kinnunen was Finnish Champion in 1964-66 and 1968-69. Jorma worked as a carpenter and in 1971 founded the annual Javelin Carnival held in his hometown of Pihtipudas.

Personal Best: JT – 92.70 (1969).