Leo Linkovesi

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameLeo Ensio•Linkovesi
Used nameLeo•Linkovesi
Nick/petnamesLeksa
Born8 April 1947 in Helsinki, Uusimaa (FIN)
Died7 November 2006 in Kerava, Uusimaa (FIN)
Measurements175 cm / 73 kg
AffiliationsHelsingin Luistinkiitäjät, Helsinki (FIN)
NOC Finland

Biography

Leo Linkovesi won the first official World Sprint Championships in 1972. In January 1972 he set a 500 m World Record of 38.0, the first of four skaters to achieve this mark before it was beaten by Yevgeni Kulikov three years later. He was one of the favorites for the Olympic 500 metres in 1972, but disappointed by placing sixth. As of 2014 he is still the last Finn to set a speed skating world record and win an international title. He joined the professional speed skating league in 1973, and was one of the best sprinters among pros. After the professional league went bankrupt in 1974 he continued skating at a national level until 1980.

Personal Bests: 500 – 38.0 (1972); 1000 – 1:19.3 (1972); 1500 – 2:10.3 (1972); 5000 – 8:34.7 (1969); 10000 – 17:54.5 (1970).

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1972 Winter Olympics Speed Skating (Skating) FIN Leo Linkovesi
500 metres, Men (Olympic) 6
1,500 metres, Men (Olympic) 34

Special Notes