Armas Rudolf TAIPALE

Armas Taipale’s talent was discovered when he took part in school competitions in 1908, and he soon was in Finland’s top class in. His most successful Olympic appearance was in 1912, winning two gold medals in both discus throw events, with both hands and best hand. In 1920, he took silver again in the discus. His 1924 Olympic appearance was somewhat disappointing, as he ranked 12th. Domestically Taipale won three championships with the discus and two in the shot put. In 1914 he was British champion both in the shot put and discus throw.

Taipale was a versatile athlete, representing Finland at the Nordic Games in Greco-Roman wrestling in the heavyweight class and was an excellent soccer player. He bettered the Finnish Record in the discus throw seven times from 1912-16, in the both hands discus throw twice in 1913, and set two unofficial world records in the discus. In 1923 Taipale emigrated to the United States, but returned to Finland in 1974. He was a businessman and lawyer.

Personal Bests: SP – 13.855 (1919); DT – 48.90 (1914).