Paavo Nurmi

Paavo Nurmi (June 13, 1897 – October 2, 1973) was a Finnish runner.

Related Topics:
June 13 - 1897 - October 2 - 1973 - Finnish - Runner

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Paavo Nurmi was born in Turku, and died in Helsinki.

Related Topics:
Turku - Helsinki

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Nurmi was known as one of the "Flying Finns"; a term given to him, Hannes Kolehmainen, Ville Ritola and others for their distinction in running. During the 1920s, Nurmi was the best middle and long distance runner in the world, setting world records on distances between 1500 m and 20 km.

Related Topics:
Flying Finns - Hannes Kolehmainen - Ville Ritola - 1920s - Middle - Long distance

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Nurmi won a total of nine gold medals at the Olympic Games from 1920 to 1928. In 1932, Nurmi was unable to compete at the Olympics, as he had received money for his running and was thus considered a professional. At the 1920 Summer Olympics, Nurmi won three gold medals: the 10,000 m, the cross country event and the cross country team event, also finishing second in the 5000 m.

Related Topics:
Olympic Games - 1920 - 1928 - 1932 - 1920 Summer Olympics

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In 1924, he won no less than 5 gold medals, winning the 1500 m, 5000 m (with only 26 minutes between the final races), the 3000 m team race, and again both cross country events. It was the last time these cross country events were held, as the great heat caused more than half of the competitors to abandon the race, and many more had to be taken to the hospital.

Related Topics:
1924 - Cross country

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Nurmi ended his Olympic career at the 1928 Summer Olympics, winning the 10,000 m and two silver medals (5000 m and 3000 m steeplechase). He continued to run after the Olympics at Amsterdam with every intent to compete in the 1932 Summer Olympics but he was branded a professional and barred from running at Los Angeles.

Related Topics:
1928 Summer Olympics - Amsterdam - 1932 Summer Olympics - Los Angeles

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A Finnish national hero, Paavo Nurmi was the lighter of the Olympic Flame at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki. In retirement he ran a haberdashery store in Helsinki. Nurmi died in 1973 in Helsinki and was given a state funeral.

Related Topics:
Olympic Flame - 1952 Summer Olympics - Helsinki - Haberdashery - 1973

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