Olympic medalist
Nurmi at the 1920 Summer Olympics.
Medal record
Men's athletics
Gold	1920 Antwerp	10000 m
Gold	1920 Antwerp	8000 m cross country
Gold	1920 Antwerp	8000 m cross country team
Gold	1924 Paris	1500 m
Gold	1924 Paris	5000 m
Gold	1924 Paris	5000 m cross country
Gold	1924 Paris	5000 m cross country team
Gold	1924 Paris	3000 m team
Gold	1928 Amsterdam	10000 m
Silver	1920 Antwerp	5000 m
Silver	1928 Amsterdam	5000 m
Silver	1928 Amsterdam	3000 m steeplechase

Paavo Johannes Nurmi (pronunciation (help· info)) (13 June 1897 – 2 October 1973) was a Finnish runner. Born in Turku, he was known as one of the "Flying Finns"; a term given to him, Hannes Kolehmainen, Ville Ritola and others for their distinction in running. During the 1920s, Nurmi was the best middle and long distance runner in the world, setting world records at distances between 1500 m and 20 km. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... The 1920 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the VII Olympiad, were held in 1920 in Antwerp, Belgium. ... Athletics has been contested at every Summer Olympics since the birth of the modern Olympic movement at the 1896 Summer Olympics. ... The 1920 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the VII Olympiad, were held in 1920 in Antwerp, Belgium. ... At the 1920 Summer Olympics, 30 athletics events were contested. ... The 1920 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the VII Olympiad, were held in 1920 in Antwerp, Belgium. ... At the 1920 Summer Olympics, 30 athletics events were contested. ... The 1920 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the VII Olympiad, were held in 1920 in Antwerp, Belgium. ... At the 1920 Summer Olympics, 30 athletics events were contested. ... The Games of the VIII Olympiad were held in 1924 in Paris, France. ... At the 1924 Summer Olympics held in Paris, 27 athletics events were contested, all for men only. ... The Games of the VIII Olympiad were held in 1924 in Paris, France. ... At the 1924 Summer Olympics held in Paris, 27 athletics events were contested, all for men only. ... The Games of the VIII Olympiad were held in 1924 in Paris, France. ... At the 1924 Summer Olympics held in Paris, 27 athletics events were contested, all for men only. ... The Games of the VIII Olympiad were held in 1924 in Paris, France. ... At the 1924 Summer Olympics held in Paris, 27 athletics events were contested, all for men only. ... The Games of the VIII Olympiad were held in 1924 in Paris, France. ... At the 1924 Summer Olympics held in Paris, 27 athletics events were contested, all for men only. ... The Olympisch Stadion in 1928 The 1928 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the IX Olympiad, were celebrated in 1928 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. ... 27 athletics events, 22 for men and 5 for women, were held in 1928. ... The 1920 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the VII Olympiad, were held in 1920 in Antwerp, Belgium. ... At the 1920 Summer Olympics, 30 athletics events were contested. ... The Olympisch Stadion in 1928 The 1928 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the IX Olympiad, were celebrated in 1928 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. ... 27 athletics events, 22 for men and 5 for women, were held in 1928. ... The Olympisch Stadion in 1928 The 1928 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the IX Olympiad, were celebrated in 1928 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. ... 27 athletics events, 22 for men and 5 for women, were held in 1928. ... Image File history File links Fi-Paavo_Nurmi. ... is the 164th day of the year (165th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1897 (MDCCCXCVII) was a common year starting on Friday (see link for calendar). ... is the 275th day of the year (276th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the song by James Blunt, see 1973 (song). ... This article is about movement. ... For the traditional Turkish folk songs, see Türkü. Location of Turku in Northern Europe Location of Turku in Northern Europe Coordinates: , Country Province Region Finland Proper Sub-region Turku sub-region Government  - Mayor Mikko Pukkinen Area  - City 306. ... The Flying Finn was a nickname given to several Finnish runners including Olympic gold medalists, Ville Ritola and Paavo Nurmi. ... Juho Pietari Hannes Kolehmainen (December 9, 1889 – January 11, 1966) was a Finnish long-distance runner. ... Vilho Eino Ville Ritola (January 18, 1896 – April 24, 1982) was a Finnish athlete, specialised in the long distance events. ... Middle distance track events are track races longer than sprints up to (and arguably including) 5000 meters. ... For long track speedskating, see Speed skating. ...

Nurmi won a total of nine gold and three silver medals in the 12 events in which he competed at the Olympic Games from 1920 to 1928. In 1932, Nurmi was unable to compete at the Olympics, as he had received money for his running and was thus considered a professional. The five Olympic rings were designed in 1913, adopted in 1914 and debuted at the Games at Antwerp, 1920. ...

Career

Olympic career

Nurmi debuted at the 1920 Summer Olympics by competing in four events. He won three gold medals: the 10,000 m, the cross country event and the cross country team event, and finished second in the 5000 m. The 1920 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the VII Olympiad, were held in 1920 in Antwerp, Belgium. ...

In 1924, he won five gold medals in five events, including the 1500 m, 5000 m (with only 26 minutes between the final races; he broke the world record for both of them), the 3000 m team race, and again both cross country events. It was the last time these cross country events were held, as the great heat caused more than half of the competitors to abandon the race, and many more had to be taken to hospital. Finnish officials, fearing for his health, refused to enter Nurmi in the 10,000 m event. Thus, he was unable to defend his title. An angry Nurmi protested after returning to Finland by setting a 10,000 m world record that would last for almost 13 years. The Games of the VIII Olympiad were held in 1924 in Paris, France. ... The Minnesota State Highschool Cross Country Meet A cross country race in Seaside, Oregon. ... The following table shows the world record progression for the Mens 10,000 metres, as recognised by the IAAF. ↑  Several sources mention Hannes Kolehmainens time at the 1912 Summer Olympics as a world record. ...

Nurmi ended his Olympic career at the 1928 Summer Olympics, winning the 10,000 m and two silver medals (5000 m and 3000 m steeplechase). The Olympisch Stadion in 1928 The 1928 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the IX Olympiad, were celebrated in 1928 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. ...

To this day, Nurmi is the single athlete in Track & Field who has won most Olympic medals, 12 in total. Due to this fact he is often considered as the greatest Track & Field athlete of all time.

A "professional"

Nurmi continued to run after the Olympics in Amsterdam with every intent to compete in the 10,000 m and marathon events at the 1932 Summer Olympics, but he was branded a professional and barred from running in Los Angeles. The main conductors of the ban were the Swedish officials, especially Sigfrid Edström, the president of the IAAF and vice-president of the IOC. Edström claimed that Nurmi had received too much money for his travel expenses to a meet in Germany. This was seen as jealousy by many in Finland and in part led to Finland refusing to participate in the traditional Finland-Sweden international athletics event Suomi-Ruotsi-maaottelu or Finnkampen until 1939. For other uses, see Amsterdam (disambiguation). ... The 1932 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the X Olympiad, were held in 1932 in Los Angeles, California, United States. ... Los Angeles and L.A. redirect here. ... Johannes Sigfrid Edström (November 21, 1870-March 18, 1964) was a Swedish industrial and sports official. ... The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) is the international governing body for the sport of athletics (known in the US as track and field). It was founded in 1912 at its first Congress in Stockholm, Sweden by representatives from 17 national athletics federations as the International Amateur Athletics Federation. ... Stamp The International Olympic Committee (French: Comité International Olympique) is an organization based in Lausanne, Switzerland, created by Pierre de Coubertin and Demetrios Vikelas on June 23, 1894. ... Finnkampen (Swedish, literally The Finn Battle), Suomi-Ruotsi-maaottelu (Finnish, literally Finland-Sweden-international) or Ruotsi-ottelu (among Finland-Swedes Sverigekampen), literally The Sweden Battle, is a yearly athletics international competition held between Sweden and Finland. ... Finnkampen (Swedish, literally The Finn Battle), Suomi-Ruotsi-maaottelu (Finnish, literally Finland-Sweden-international) or Ruotsi-ottelu (among Finland-Swedes Sverigekampen), literally The Sweden Battle, is a yearly athletics international competition held between Sweden and Finland. ...

However, Nurmi did travel to Los Angeles and kept training at the Olympic Village. Despite pleas from all the entrants of the marathon, Nurmi was not allowed to compete at the Games. Although he had suffered from injuries, he claimed he would have won the marathon by five minutes. He had set his heart on ending his career with a marathon gold medal, as his fellow countryman Kolehmainen had done after the First World War. Ypres, 1917, in the vicinity of the Battle of Passchendaele. ...

A Finnish national hero, Paavo Nurmi was the lighter of the Olympic Flame at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki. In retirement he ran a haberdashery store in Helsinki. Nurmi died in 1973 in Helsinki and was given a state funeral. The flame at the 2002 Winter Olympics The Olympic Flame, Olympic Fire, Olympic Torch, Olympic Light, Olympic Eye, and Olympic Sun are all names for an important marketing promotion and symbol of the Olympic Games. ... The 1952 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XV Olympiad, were held in 1952 in Helsinki, Finland. ... Location of Helsinki in Northern Europe Coordinates: , Country Province Region Uusimaa Sub-region Helsinki Charter 1550 Capital city 1812 Government  - Mayor Jussi Pajunen Area  - Total 187. ... A haberdasher is a person who sells small items via retail, commonly items used in clothing, such as ribbons and buttons, or completed accessories, such as hats or gloves. ... The examples and perspective in this article or section may not represent a worldwide view. ...

Trivia

• Nurmi toured the United States in 1925 and competed in 55 events (45 indoors and 10 outdoors) during a five-month period. He broke 39 official and unofficial world records and won 53 of the events. He abandoned one race and lost only an 880-yard sprint to the home country's star half-miler Alan Helffrich. The tour made Nurmi immensely popular in the USA.
• Finnish astronomer Yrjö Väisälä named an asteroid after Nurmi in 1939; 1740 Paavo Nurmi.
• Nurmi was a vegetarian since the age of 12. ^[1]
• An annual Paavo Nurmi Marathon has been held in Wisconsin, USA since 1969. An event with the same name has also been held in Turku, Nurmi's home town, since 1991.
• Nurmi was mentioned in the 1974 novel Marathon Man, as the idol of the protagonist. In the movie adaptation he was replaced with Abebe Bikila. However in the film Nurmi's runner picture can be seen on the main character's wall.
• A widely publicized practical joke by students at the Helsinki University of Technology took place in 1961, when a team of students smuggled a statue of Nurmi onto the 300-year-old wreck of the Swedish Regalskeppet Vasa just days before its lifting from the bottom of the sea^[2]
• A Hollywood star, Maila Nurmi, who created the well-remembered 1950s character of Vampira, claims to be Paavo Nurmi's niece. Her portrayal of this character as a television horror host and in films was influential over decades that followed. Their consanguinity, however, has not been verified.
• Nurmi never raced without a stopwatch in his hand, although he occasionally tossed it aside after building up a sufficient space cushion between himself and rival runners.
• There is a Paavo Nurmi Gymnasium at Finlandia University, Hancock, Michigan, USA.
• On the unveileing of a statue of him in Turku, which featured him running but without clothing in typical olympics statue fashion, Nurmi's only comment was "I don't run naked."
• Their is also a training system named after him called Paavo. Their are many Paavo Camps in the United States

Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Alan Boone Helffrich (August 7, 1900 _ February 3, 1994) was an American athlete, winner of gold medal in 4x400 m relay at the 1924 Summer Olympics. ... For other uses, see Astronomy (disambiguation). ... Yrjö Väisälä ( ) (September 6, 1891[1] – July 21, 1971) was a Finnish astronomer and physicist. ... 1740 Paavo Nurmi is a minor planet. ... The Paavo Nurmi Marathon is an annual road race held each August in Iron County, Wisconsin, in the United States. ... This article is about the U.S. state. ... Marathon Man is a 1974 paranoid thriller novel by William Goldman that was made into a 1976 film directed by John Schlesinger. ... Abebe Bikila (August 7, 1932 - October 25, 1973) was an Ethiopian runner and two time Olympic marathon champion from Ethiopia. ... Helsinki University of Technology (TKK) (Finnish: Teknillinen korkeakoulu; Swedish: Tekniska högskolan) is the premier technical university in Finland and the largest in the Nordic Countries with over 15000 students. ... Year 1961 (MCMLXI) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Regalskeppet Vasa (also Wasa) is a Swedish 64-gun ship of the line built for King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden of the House of Vasa, between 1626 and 1628. ... ... Maila Nurmi (born Maila Elizabeth Syrjäniemi, December 21, 1921 in Petsamo, Finland—now Pechenga, Russia) created the well-remembered 1950s character of Vampira. ... Horror hosts are a particular type of television presenter, often tasked with presenting low-grade films to television audiences. ... A stopwatch is a timepiece designed to measure the amount of time elapsed from a particular time when activated to when the piece is deactivated. ... For other uses, see Hand (disambiguation). ... Finlandia University is a private university located in Hancock, Michigan, on the Keweenaw Peninsula. ... For the traditional Turkish folk songs, see Türkü. Location of Turku in Northern Europe Location of Turku in Northern Europe Coordinates: , Country Province Region Finland Proper Sub-region Turku sub-region Government  - Mayor Mikko Pukkinen Area  - City 306. ... Olympic Games Summer Olympic Games Medal count Winter Olympic Games Medal count Olympic sports Medal counts Participating NOCs Olympic symbols Olympics WikiProject Olympics Portal Athens 2004 • Beijing 2008 Torino 2006 • Vancouver 2010 ...

References

Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 173rd day of the year (174th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Era (or Anno Domini), in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 134th day of the year (135th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Ilta-Sanomat is a tabloid which is the second largest newspaper in Finland. ...

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

Paavo Nurmi

• Paavo Nurmi 100 years

Records
Preceded by John Zander	Men's 1,500m World Record Holder 19 June 1924 – 11 September 1926	Succeeded by Otto Pelzer
Preceded by Norman Taber	Men's Mile World Record Holder 23 August 1923 – 4 October 1931	Succeeded by Jules Ladoumègue
Preceded by John Zander	Men's 3,000 m World Record Holder 27 August 1922 – 7 June 1925	Succeeded by Edvin Wide
Preceded by Edvin Wide	Men's 3,000 m World Record Holder 24 May 1926 – 19 June 1932	Succeeded by Janusz Kusociński
Preceded by Jean Bouin	Men's 10,000 m World Record Holder 22 June 1921 – 25 May 1924	Succeeded by Ville Ritola
Preceded by Ville Ritola	Men's 10,000 m World Record Holder 31 August 1924 – 18 July 1937	Succeeded by Ilmari Salminen
Sporting positions
Preceded by John Mark London 1948	Final Summer Olympic Torchbearer Paavo Nurmi Helsinki 1952	Succeeded by Ron Clarke and Hans Wikne Melbourne / Stockholm 1956

Image File history File links Flag_of_Sweden. ... John Adolf Fredrik Zander (January 31, 1890 – June 9, 1967) was a Swedish track and field athlete who competed in the 1912 Summer Olympics and in the 1920 Summer Olympics. ... The 1500 metre run became a standard racing in Europe in the late 19th century, perhaps as a metric version of the mile, a popular running distance since at least the 1850s in English-speaking countries. ... is the 170th day of the year (171st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the rap album, see 1924 (album). ... is the 254th day of the year (255th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1926 (MCMXXVI) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Germany. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Norman Taber was an American middle distance runner who set a world record over the Mile in 4:12. ... Accurate times for the mile run (1. ... {| style=float:right; |- | |- | |} is the 235th day of the year (236th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1923 (MCMXXIII) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 277th day of the year (278th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1931 (MCMXXXI) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1931 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Jules Ladoumègue (December 10, 1906 - March 2, 1973 was a French middle distance runner. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Sweden. ... John Adolf Fredrik Zander (January 31, 1890 – June 9, 1967) was a Swedish track and field athlete who competed in the 1912 Summer Olympics and in the 1920 Summer Olympics. ... The following table shows the world record progression in the Mens 3,000 metres, as recognised by the IAAF. World record progression for the Womens 3,000 m Long-distance track event ARRS Categories: | ... is the 239th day of the year (240th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1922 (MCMXXII) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 158th day of the year (159th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1925 (MCMXXV) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Sweden. ... Emil Edvin Wide (February 22, 1896, Finland - June 19, 1996, Stockholm) was a Swedish long-distance runner. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Sweden. ... Emil Edvin Wide (February 22, 1896, Finland - June 19, 1996, Stockholm) was a Swedish long-distance runner. ... The following table shows the world record progression in the Mens 3,000 metres, as recognised by the IAAF. World record progression for the Womens 3,000 m Long-distance track event ARRS Categories: | ... is the 144th day of the year (145th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1926 (MCMXXVI) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 170th day of the year (171st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1932 (MCMXXXII) was a leap year starting on Friday (the link will display full 1932 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Poland. ... Tomb of Janusz KusociÅ„ski in Palmiry near Warsaw Janusz Tadeusz KusociÅ„ski (January 15, 1907 - June 21, 1940) was a Polish athlete, winner of 10 000 m at the 1932 Summer Olympics. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Jean Bouin (right) and Hannes Kolehmainen in Stockholm, 1912 Jean Bouin (December 20, 1888–September 29, 1914) was a French athlete. ... The following table shows the world record progression for the Mens 10,000 metres, as recognised by the IAAF. ↑  Several sources mention Hannes Kolehmainens time at the 1912 Summer Olympics as a world record. ... is the 173rd day of the year (174th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1921 (MCMXXI) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar). ... is the 145th day of the year (146th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the rap album, see 1924 (album). ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Finland. ... Vilho Eino Ville Ritola (January 18, 1896 – April 24, 1982) was a Finnish athlete, specialised in the long distance events. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Finland. ... Vilho Eino Ville Ritola (January 18, 1896 – April 24, 1982) was a Finnish athlete, specialised in the long distance events. ... The following table shows the world record progression for the Mens 10,000 metres, as recognised by the IAAF. ↑  Several sources mention Hannes Kolehmainens time at the 1912 Summer Olympics as a world record. ... is the 243rd day of the year (244th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the rap album, see 1924 (album). ... July 18 is the 199th day of the year (200th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1937 (MCMXXXVII) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Finland. ... Ilmari Salminen (September 21, 1902 - January 5, 1986) was a Finnish athlete, winner of the 10 000 m at the 1936 Summer Olympics. ... The Games of the XIV Olympiad were held in 1948 at Wembley Stadium in London, England. ... The flame at the 2002 Winter Olympics The Olympic Flame, Olympic Fire, Olympic Torch, Olympic Light, Olympic Eye, and Olympic Sun are all names for an important marketing promotion and symbol of the Olympic Games. ... The 1952 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XV Olympiad, were held in 1952 in Helsinki, Finland. ... Australian Ronald William Ron Clarke (born February 21, 1937) was one of the best known middle and long distance runners in the 1960s. ... The 1956 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XVI Olympiad, were held in 1956 in Melbourne, Australia, although the equestrian events could not be held in Australia due to quarantine regulations. ... This is the complete list of mens Olympic medalists in athletics from 1896 to 2004. ... Teddy Flack Edwin Harold Teddy Flack (November 5, 1873 – January 10, 1935) was an Australian athlete. ... For the screenwriter of the same name, see Charles Bennett (screenwriter). ... James Davies Jim Lightbody (March 15, 1882 – March 2, 1953) was an American middle distance runner, winner of six Olympic medals in the early 20th century. ... James Davies Jim Lightbody (March 15, 1882 – March 2, 1953) was an American middle distance runner, winner of six Olympic medals in the early 20th century. ... Melvin Whinfield Mel Sheppard (September 5, 1883 - January 4, 1942) was an American athlete, winner of four gold medals at the 1908 Summer Olympics and 1912 Summer Olympics. ... Arnold Nugent Strode-Jackson (April 5, 1891 _ November 13, 1972) was an British athlete, winner of 1500 m at the 1912 Summer Olympics. ... For the First World War soldier, winner of the Victoria Cross, see Albert Hill VC. Albert George Hill ( March 24, 1889 – January 8, 1969) was a British athlete, winner of two Olympic gold medals at the 1920 Summer Olympics. ... Harri Edvin Harry Larva (September 9, 1906 - November 11, 1980) was a Finnish athlete, winner of 1500 m at the 1928 Summer Olympics. ... Luigi Beccali (November 19, 1907 - August 29, 1990) was an Italian athlete, winner of 1500 m at the 1932 Summer Olympics. ... John Edward Jack Lovelock (January 5, 1910-December 28, 1949) was a New Zealand athlete, and a 1936 Olympic champion. ... Knut Henry Eriksson (January 23, 1920 - January 8, 2000) was a Swedish athlete, winner of 1500 m at the 1948 Summer Olympics. ... Joseph Josy Barthel (April 24, 1927 - July 7, 1992) was a Luxembourg athlete, surprise winner of 1500 m at the 1952 Summer Olympics. ... Ronald Michael Delany (March 6, 1935), better known as Ron or Ronnie is a former Irish athlete, who specialised in the middle distances. ... Herb Elliott at the 1954 Public Schools Association Athletics Herbert (Herb) James Elliott AC MBE (born February 25, 1938) is a former Australian athlete, one of the worlds greatest middle distance runners. ... Peter George Snell, DCNZM, OBE (born December 17, 1938 in Opunake) is a New Zealand former athlete. ... Kipchoge (Kip) Keino (born January 17, 1940), chairman of the Kenyan Olympic Committee (KOC), is a retired Kenyan athlete and two-time Olympic gold medalist. ... Pekka Vasala (born 17 April 1948) was a middle-distance athlete who won an Olympic gold medal in the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich. ... For other persons named John Walker, see John Walker (disambiguation). ... Sebastian Newbold Coe, Baron Coe, KBE (born 29 September 1956 in Chiswick, London) is an English athlete and Conservative Party politician. ... Sebastian Newbold Coe, Baron Coe, KBE (born 29 September 1956 in Chiswick, London) is an English athlete and Conservative Party politician. ... Peter Kipchumba Rono (born July 31, 1967) is a former Kenyan athlete, who won the 1,500 metres at the 1988 Summer Olympics. ... Fermín Cacho Ruiz (born February 16, 1969) is a Spanish athlete, winner of the 1500 metres at the 1992 Summer Olympics. ... Noureddine Morceli (born February 28, 1970) is a former Algerian athlete, winner of 1500 m run at the 1996 Summer Olympics. ... Noah Kiprono Ngeny (born November 2, 1978) is a Kenyan athlete, the surprise winner of the 1500 m at the 2000 Summer Olympics. ... Hicham El Guerrouj (Arabic: هشام الكروج, born September 14, 1974, Berkane) is a retired Moroccan middle distance runner. ... This is the complete list of mens Olympic medalists in athletics from 1896 to 2004. ... Juho Pietari Hannes Kolehmainen (December 9, 1889 – January 11, 1966) was a Finnish long-distance runner. ... Joseph Guillemot (October 1, 1899 – March 9, 1975) was a French athlete, winner of 5000 m at the 1920 Summer Olympics. ... Vilho Eino Ville Ritola (January 18, 1896 – April 24, 1982) was a Finnish athlete, specialised in the long distance events. ... Lauri Aleksanteri Lehtinen (August 10, 1908 – December 4, 1973) was a Finnish athlete, winner of a controversial 5000 m at the 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. ... Gunnar Mikael Höckert (February 12, 1910 - February 11, 1940) was a Finnish athlete, winner of 5000 m at the 1936 Summer Olympics. ... Gaston Reiff (February 24, 1921 – May 8, 1992) was a Belgian athlete, winner of the 1948 Olympic title in the 5,000 m. ... Emil Zátopek (IPA: ) (September 19, 1922 - November 22, 2000) was a Czech athlete probably best known for his amazing feat of winning three gold medals in athletics at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki. ... Vladimir Petrovich Kuts (Владимир Петрович Куц) (February 7, 1927-August 16, 1975) was a Soviet long distance runner. ... Sir Murray Gordon Halberg, MBE, (born July 7, 1933 in Eketahuna) is a former New Zealand middle distance runner. ... Robert Bob Schul (born September 28, 1937) is a former American long distance runner. ... Mohammed Tlili ben Abdallah also known as Gammoudi (born February 11, 1938) is a former Tunisian athlete, winner of 5000 m at the 1968 Summer Olympics. ... Lasse Virén (born July 22, 1949) is a former Finnish athlete, winner of four gold medals at the 1972 Summer Olympics and 1976 Summer Olympics. ... Lasse Virén (born July 22, 1949) is a former Finnish athlete, winner of four gold medals at the 1972 Summer Olympics and 1976 Summer Olympics. ... Miruts Yifter (born May 15, 1944) is a former Ethiopian athlete, winner of two gold medals at the 1980 Summer Olympics. ... Saïd Aouita (born November 2, 1959) is a former Moroccan athlete, winner of 5000 meters at the 1984 Summer Olympics. ... John Ngugi (born May 10, 1962) is a former Kenyan athlete, winner of 5000 m at the 1988 Summer Olympics. ... Dieter Baumann (born February 9, 1965) is a disgraced former German athlete and convicted doping offender, winner of 5000 m at the 1992 Summer Olympics. ... Vénuste Niyongabo (born December 9, 1973) is a middle distance runner from Burundi. ... Millon Wolde (born March 17, 1979) is an Ethiopian athlete, winner of 5000 m at the 2000 Summer Olympics. ... Hicham El Guerrouj (Arabic: هشام الكروج, born September 14, 1974, Berkane) is a retired Moroccan middle distance runner. ... This is the complete list of mens Olympic medalists in athletics from 1896 to 2004. ... he sucks real bad Categories: Long-distance runners ... Emil Robert Voigt (December 1882 – October 16, 1973) was a British athlete, winner of the Olympic 5 miles race in 1908. ... Juho Pietari Hannes Kolehmainen (December 9, 1889 – January 11, 1966) was a Finnish long-distance runner. ... Vilho Eino Ville Ritola (January 18, 1896 – April 24, 1982) was a Finnish athlete, specialised in the long distance events. ... Tomb of Janusz KusociÅ„ski in Palmiry near Warsaw Janusz Tadeusz KusociÅ„ski (January 15, 1907 - June 21, 1940) was a Polish athlete, winner of 10 000 m at the 1932 Summer Olympics. ... Ilmari Salminen (September 21, 1902 - January 5, 1986) was a Finnish athlete, winner of the 10 000 m at the 1936 Summer Olympics. ... Emil Zátopek (IPA: ) (September 19, 1922 - November 22, 2000) was a Czech athlete probably best known for his amazing feat of winning three gold medals in athletics at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki. ... Emil Zátopek (IPA: ) (September 19, 1922 - November 22, 2000) was a Czech athlete probably best known for his amazing feat of winning three gold medals in athletics at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki. ... Vladimir Petrovich Kuts (Владимир Петрович Куц) (February 7, 1927-August 16, 1975) was a Soviet long distance runner. ... Pyotr Grigorevich Bolotnikov (Петр Григорьевич Болотников) (born March 8, 1930) is a former Soviet athlete, winner of 10 000 m at the 1960 Summer Olympics. ... For the Irish poet, see Billy Mills (poet) William Billy Mills (born June 30, 1938) is the only American ever to win an Olympic gold medal in the 10,000 m run which he did at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. ... Naftali Temu (b. ... Lasse Virén (born July 22, 1949) is a former Finnish athlete, winner of four gold medals at the 1972 Summer Olympics and 1976 Summer Olympics. ... Lasse Virén (born July 22, 1949) is a former Finnish athlete, winner of four gold medals at the 1972 Summer Olympics and 1976 Summer Olympics. ... Miruts Yifter (born May 15, 1944) is a former Ethiopian athlete, winner of two gold medals at the 1980 Summer Olympics. ... Alberto Cova (born December 1, Italian athlete, winner of 10 000 m at the 1984 Summer Olympics. ... Moulay Brahim Boutayeb (born August 15, Moroccan athlete, winner of the 10,000 m race at the 1988 Summer Olympics. ... Khalid Skah (born January 29, 1967) is a Moroccan athlete, winner of 10 000 m at the 1992 Summer Olympics. ... Not to be confused with Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia. ... Not to be confused with Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia. ... Kenenisa Bekele (born June 13, 1982, Ethiopia) is an Ethiopian distance runner, one of the most successful distance runners of all time and considered by some as a modern-day great. ...

References