Matti Pitkänen

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameMatti Keijo Juhani•Pitkänen
Used nameMatti•Pitkänen
Nick/petnamesHämeen hiljainen
Born20 December 1948 in Ikaalinen, Pirkanmaa (FIN)
Measurements177 cm / 70-72 kg
AffiliationsKyröskosken Ponsi, Hämeenkyrö (FIN) / Ikaalisten Urheilijat, Ikaalinen (FIN)
NOC Finland
Medals OG
Gold 1
Silver 0
Bronze 1
Total 2

Biography

Matti Pitkänen won all of his international championship medals in the relay. He won a gold at the 1976 Winter Olympics, silver at the 1978 World Championships and bronze at the 1980 Winter Olympics. He was also fourth in three individual distances (15, 30 and 50 km) at the 1978 World Championships and his best individual finish at the Olympic Games was sixth at the 30 km in 1980. In 1978 Pitkänen also won the 50 km race at the Holmenkollen Ski Festival and both the 15 km and 50 km races at Ounasvaara. He also won two Finnish titles, in 1977 and 1978, both at 50 km.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1976 Winter Olympics Cross Country Skiing (Skiing) FIN Matti Pitkänen
30 kilometres, Men (Olympic) 13
4 × 10 kilometres Relay, Men (Olympic) Finland 1 Gold
1980 Winter Olympics Cross Country Skiing (Skiing) FIN Matti Pitkänen
30 kilometres, Men (Olympic) 6
50 kilometres, Men (Olympic) 11
4 × 10 kilometres Relay, Men (Olympic) Finland 3 Bronze

Special Notes