Jaakko Friman was a true sprinter and rarely skated distances other than 500 metres. Friman’s first international medal came at the 1927 European Workers Championships, where he won bronze in the 500. The next season was probably Friman’s best as he shared a bronze with John O’Neil Farrell and Roald Larsen at the 1928 Winter Olympic Games. His other international accomplishments were placing eighth at the 1929 World All-around Championships in the 500 and fifth in the 500 at both the 1934 World All-around Championships and 1935 European All-around Championships. At the Finnish Championships Friman won a gold (1929), two silvers (1928, 1934) and a bronze (1935), all in the 500 metres.
Personal Bests: 500 – 43.6 (1928); 1500 – 2:30.5 (1934); 5000 – 9:33.9 (1928); 10000 – 19:50.0 (1928).
Finland