Pentti Nikula

In the early 1960s Finnish track and field athlete Pentti Nikula was one of the best pole vaulters, winning multiple titles and setting several world records. In 1962 Nikula became the national champion and won gold at the AAA Championships in London. His success continued throughout the year, with him winning gold at the European Athletics Championships in Beograd and setting a world record mark of 4.94 metres at a meet in Kauhava. The following year Nikula broke the indoor record three times at the same meet in Finland, becoming the first pole vaulter to clear five metres.

In 1964 Nikula won his second Finnish title in the event, making him a strong favourite to win gold at the Olympics in Tokyo. After reaching the final, however, he had to settle for a disappointing seventh place, with a best clearance of 4.90 metres, with Fred Hansen (USA) eventually winning gold with 5.10 metres.

In recognition of his achievements Nikula was named the Finnish athlete of the year in 1962. He was later honoured on a postage stamp in 1994, and in 2012 a statue of him was unveiled in his hometown of Somero.

Personal Best: PV – 5.10i (1963).