"The Flying Finn" was a nickname given to several Finnish runners including Olympic gold medalists, Ville Ritola and Paavo Nurmi. At the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris, Nurmi won five gold medals for events including the 1500 m and 5000 m (which were held with only an hour between them). For months before the Olympic Games, runners relay the Olympic Flame from Olympia to the opening ceremony. ... Vilho Eino Ville Ritola (January 18, 1896 – April 24, 1982) was a Finnish athlete, specialised in the long distance events. ... Paavo Nurmi (June 13, 1897 – October 2, 1973) was a Finnish runner. ... The Games of the VIII Olympiad were held in 1924 in Paris, France. ... City flag City coat of arms Motto: Fluctuat nec mergitur Tossed by the waves, she does not founder Coordinates : , Time Zone : CET (GMT +1) Administration Subdivisions 20 arrondissements Département Paris (75) Région ÃŽle-de-France Mayor Bertrand Delanoë (PS) City (commune) Characteristics Land Area 86. ...

The term has such international renown that it is often attached to notable Finnish sportsmen whose exploits are fleet of foot or have to do with fast cars. Unarguably the most famous Flying Finn of the past years has been Formula 1 driver Mika Häkkinen who currently races in DTM. Kimi Räikkönen is the current Finnish driver for Mclaren Mercedes F1 team, and has also been referred to as the Flying Finn. Ski jumper Matti Nykänen, hockey player Teemu Selänne and retired NHL player Jari Kurri have also been referred to as Flying Finns. Mika Pauli Häkkinen, almost always internationally (but incorrectly) seen and pronounced Hakkinen, (born September 28, 1968 in Vantaa) is a Finnish racing driver and two-time Formula One drivers champion. ... Räikkönen redirects here. ... Matti Nykänen Matti Nykänen (born July 17, 1963 in Jyväskylä, Finland) is a Finnish ski jumper, and inarguably one of the greatest in that sport, winning five Olympic medals (four golden), 15 World championships medals (six golden) and 22 Finnish championships medals (13 golden). ... Teemu Ilmari Selänne (born July 3, 1970 in Helsinki, Finland), is a professional Finnish ice hockey right winger. ... Jari Pekka Kurri (born May 18, 1960, in Helsinki, Finland) is a retired Finnish professional ice hockey right winger. ...