Paavo Nurmi

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full namePaavo Johannes•Nurmi
Used namePaavo•Nurmi
Nick/petnamesLentävä suomalainen, Haamusuomalainen, Suuri vaikenija
Born13 June 1897 in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi (FIN)
Died2 October 1973 in Helsinki, Uusimaa (FIN)
Measurements174 cm / 65 kg
AffiliationsTurun Urheiluliitto, Turku (FIN)
NOC Finland
Medals OG
Gold 9
Silver 3
Bronze 0
Total 12

Biography

Finnish distance runner Paavo Nurmi, was an Olympic legend whose dedication to a rigorous training schedule and mastery of pace judgment brought a new dimension to distance running. Between 1920 and 1928 he won a record nine Olympic gold medals (six individual; three team) and three individual silver medals. His medals came in a wide range of events: 1,500 metres, 3,000 metres (team), 5,000 metres, 10,000 metres, steeplechase and cross-country.

In 1932, he was banned for alleged professionalism and missed the chance to add the 1932 marathon, for which he was one of the favorites, to his list of Olympic successes. Although subsequently reinstated as an amateur for domestic races, he continued to be excluded from international competition, a decision that left him embittered for the rest of his life. However, he returned to the Olympic arena in 1952 when he carried the torch into the Opening Ceremony.

The incomparable “Flying Finn” set 22 official and 13 unofficial world records, and statues (done by Wäinö Aaltonen in 1925) honoring his feats stand in his hometown of Turku, outside the Olympic stadium in Helsinki, and in the park of the Olympic Museum in Lausanne.

Personal Bests: 1500 – 3:52.6 (1924); 3000 – 8:20.4 (1926); 5000 – 14:28.2 (1924); 10000 – 30:06.1 (1924); 3000S – 9:31.2e (1928).

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1920 Summer Olympics Athletics FIN Paavo Nurmi
1,500 metres, Men (Olympic) DNS
5,000 metres, Men (Olympic) 2 Silver
10,000 metres, Men (Olympic) 1 Gold
3,000 metres Steeplechase, Men (Olympic) DNS
Cross-Country, Individual, Men (Olympic) 1 Gold
Cross-Country, Team, Men (Olympic) Finland 1 Gold
1924 Summer Olympics Athletics FIN Paavo Nurmi
800 metres, Men (Olympic) DNS
1,500 metres, Men (Olympic) 1 Gold
5,000 metres, Men (Olympic) 1 Gold
3,000 metres, Team, Men (Olympic) Finland 1 Gold
Cross-Country, Individual, Men (Olympic) 1 Gold
Cross-Country, Team, Men (Olympic) Finland 1 Gold
1928 Summer Olympics Athletics FIN Paavo Nurmi
5,000 metres, Men (Olympic) 2 Silver
10,000 metres, Men (Olympic) 1 Gold
3,000 metres Steeplechase, Men (Olympic) 2 Silver

Special Notes