Walter Bietila

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameWalter Isaac•Bietila
Used nameWalter•Bietila
Born12 February 1916 in Ishpeming, Michigan (USA)
Died21 March 1996 in Iron Mountain, Michigan (USA)
AffiliationsIshpeming Ski Club
NOC United States

Biography

Walter Bietila was one of five ski jumping brothers, all based in Ishpeming, Michigan. Bietila competed in two Winter Olympics and also made the 1940 Winter Olympic team. During World War II he had served with the Naval Air Force. Bietila later became a ski jumping coach and administrator. He was treasurer of the Central US Ski Association from 1948-51, and in 1960 coached the US Olympic ski jumpers. He also coached the US jumpers at the 1962 World Championships in Zakopane, Poland. Bietila was elected to the US Ski Hall of Fame in 1966.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1936 Winter Olympics Ski Jumping (Skiing) USA Walter Bietila
Large Hill, Individual, Men (Olympic) 30
1948 Winter Olympics Ski Jumping (Skiing) USA Walter Bietila
Large Hill, Individual, Men (Olympic) 42