Pekka VASALA

Pekka Vasala was not even considered a medal contender in the 1,500 m at the 1972 München Olympics, but he shockingly won gold over Kip Keino. Vasala had competed at the 1968 Olympics, where he was eliminated in his first round heat of 1,500 m, but he had not previously won a major international medal and his Olympic title would be his only one. At both the 1969 and 1971 European Championships, Vasala reached the 1,500 m finals, but finished ninth both years. Vasala’s last international competition came at the 1974 European Championships, where he placed sixth in the 1,500 m. He won six Finnish titles – the 800 m in 1970-72 and the 1,500 m in 1969-71.

Personal Best: 1500 – 3:36.33 (1972).