Paavo Johannes Nurmi (Finnish pronunciation: [ˈpɑːʋo ˈnurmi] (13px ); 13 June 1897 – 2 October 1973) was a Finnish middle- and long-distance runner. He was nicknamed the "Flying Finn" as he dominated distance running in the early 20th century. Nurmi set 22 official world records at distances between 1500 metres and 20 kilometres, and won a total of nine gold and three silver medals in his twelve events in the Olympic Games. At his peak, Nurmi was undefeated at distances from 800 m upwards for 121 races. Throughout his 14-year career, he remained unbeaten in cross country events and the 10,000 m.Born into a working-class family, Nurmi left school at the age of 12 to provide for his family. In 1912, he was inspired by the Olympic feats of Hannes Kolehmainen and began developing a strict training program. Nurmi started to flourish during his military service, setting national records en route to his international debut at the 1920 Summer Olympics. After a silver medal in the 5000 m, he took gold in the 10,000 m and the cross country events. In 1923, Nurmi became the first, and so far only, runner to hold the world record in the mile, the 5000 m and the 10,000 m races at the same time. He went on to set new world records for the 1500 m and the 5000 m with just an hour between the races, and take gold medals in the distances in less than two hours at the 1924 Olympics. Seemingly untouched by the Paris heat wave, Nurmi won all his races and returned home with five gold medals, but embittered, as Finnish officials had refused to enter him for the 10,000 m.Struggling with injuries and motivation issues after his exhaustive U.S. tour in 1925, Nurmi found his long-time rivals Ville Ritola and Edvin Wide ever more serious challengers. At the 1928 Summer Olympics, Nurmi recaptured the 10,000 m title but was beaten for the gold in the 5000 m and the 3000 m steeplechase. He then turned his attention to longer distances, breaking the world records for events such as the one hour run and the 25-mile marathon. Nurmi intended to end his career with a marathon gold medal, as his idol Kolehmainen had done. In a controversial case that strained Finland–Sweden relations and sparked an inter-IAAF battle, Nurmi was suspended before the 1932 Games by an IAAF council that questioned his amateur status. Two days before the opening ceremonies, the council rejected his entries. Although he was never declared a professional, Nurmi's suspension became definite in 1934 and he retired from running.Nurmi later coached Finnish runners, raised funds for Finland during the Winter War, and worked as a haberdasher, building contractor, and share trader, eventually becoming one of Finland's richest people. In 1952, he was the lighter of the Olympic Flame at the Summer Olympics in Helsinki. Nurmi's speed and elusive personality spawned nicknames such as the "Phantom Finn", while his achievements, training methods and running style influenced future generations of middle and long
Lahja Nurmi, Martti Nurmi, Siiri Nurmi, Saara Nurmi
Star Sign
Gemini
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Fact
1
At the Paris Olympic Games in 1924, he won won five gold medals: three individual ones and two in team events. He won the 1500 meters and 5000 m with less than two hours between the two finals.
2
After retiring from competitive running, he became a building contractor. He invested wisely, and made a considerable fortune, mainly in the housing industry. In the 1930's and 1940's, he sometimes took leave from his business commitments to train Finnish runners.
3
During his career, he broke world records in most distances from 1500 m to 10,000 m.
4
Uncle of Maila Nurmi, whose real name is Maila Nurmi.
5
Ran with a stop watch. Lit the Olympic torch at the 1952 games in Helsinki. Won nine gold and three silver medals (1920, 1924, 1928 Olympics).
Actor
Title
Year
Status
Character
Sano se suomeksi
1931
Self
Title
Year
Status
Character
The Olympic Series: Golden Moments 1920-2002
2003
Video documentary
Himself
Paavo Nurmi - mies ja aika
1978
TV Movie documentary
Himself
Helsinki 1952: Games of the XV Olympiad
1952
TV Mini-Series
Himself
Maailmat kohtaavat - XV Olympiakisat Helsingissä 1952
1952
Documentary
Himself
Parlamentin palkeilta stadionin hiilimurskalle
1949
Documentary short
Himself
Olympia Part One: Festival of the Nations
1938
Documentary
Himself - Spectator Watching 10000 Metres Race (uncredited)
Suomen armeija
1927
Documentary short
Himself
Polyteekkarifilmi
1924
Documentary
Himself
Archive Footage
Title
Year
Status
Character
Mannerheim - Jörn Donnerin kertomana
2011
TV Series documentary
Himself
Helsinki, ikuisesti
2008
Documentary
Himself
The Truth About Sauna: The Truth About Finns
2008
TV Movie documentary
Himself
Nancherrow
1999
TV Series
Himself
Paavo Nurmi: Paras kaikista
1997
TV Movie documentary
Himself
... ja niinhän tuli juostua! sanoi Viljo Heino
1988
Documentary short
Himself
M*A*S*H
1977
TV Series
Himself
Four Minute Fever
1956
Documentary short
Himself
The Bob Mathias Story
1954
Paavo Nurmi - Olympic Distance Runner (uncredited)