Heikki IKOLA

Heikki Ikola is the most successful Finnish biathlete. Ikola competed at three Olympics and won three Olympic silvers – in 1972 in the relay and in 1976 in the 20 km and relay. Ikola made his third Olympic appearance at the 1980 Olympics, where he was the Finnish flagbearer at the Opening Ceremony, but finished only 18th in the 20 km and was not selected for the relay team. At the World Championships Ikola won four golds (1975 at 20 km and relay and 1977 and 1981 in the 20 km) and three silvers (1974, 1977 and 1979 in the relay). In 1975 and 1981 he was also selected as the Finnish Athlete of the Year. After his sporting career Ikola was the coach of the Finnish Olympic biathlon teams in 1988 and 1992 and beginning in 1994 worked for Finnish national television as biathlon commentator.