Aarne KAINLAURI

Aarne Kainlauri started his athletic career as a skier, but became better known as a successful track athlete prior to World War II, coming in second in the 800 m at the Finnish national championship in 1938 and third in 1939. His success grew during the conflict and he won the 800 m in 1940 and 1943 and the 1,500 m in 1942 and 1948. He was also second in the 800 m in 1942 and in the 1,500 m in 1943 and 1944, and third in the 800 m in 1933 and 1944. After taking third in the 1,500 m in 1947, he had his most important victories in 1948, when he won the 1,500 m and the steeplechase, and was selected to represent Finland in the latter event at that year’s Summer Olympics. In the opening round he came in second in his heat, behind upcoming gold medalist Tore Sjöstrand of Sweden, but was 10th among 11 finishers in the final.

Kainlauri won one more national title – the steeplechase in 1949 – before retiring from active competition in 1950. By career he worked on the national railroads. In 2015 he turned 100 as Finland’s oldest living Olympic competitor and, although he had given up cycling in his 90s due to failing vision, he remained athletically active through gymnastic exercises.

Personal Best: 3000S – 9:15.8 (1948).