Lasse Virén
Finnish four-time Olympic gold medalist in long-distance running.
He recaptured the image of the 'Flying Finns' promoted by runners like Hannes Kolehmainen, Paavo Nurmi and Ville Ritola in the 1920s. He later became a politician and a member of Finland's parliament.
- field
- Long-distance running
- nationality
- Finnish
Lore & Background
Virén began his running career in the United States at Brigham Young University, running on the Varsity Cross-Country team for one season before returning to Finland. He competed in the marathon for the first time and finished fifth.
Reader's Guide
He revived the legacy of the 'Flying Finns' and became the fourth athlete to win both events in the same Olympics. After running, he entered politics, serving in Finland's parliament. His legacy endures as one of the greatest distance runners in Olympic history.
Did You Know?
- Virén's careful running of bends near the inner edge of the first lane spared him tens of metres compared to his rivals, a practice called 'bend mathematics.'
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Lasse Virén considered important to Finnish athletics?
He is widely credited with reviving the legendary 'Flying Finns' tradition once associated with early-1920s runners such as Paavo Nurmi and Ville Ritola. His dominance in the 1970s reminded the world that Finland still produced world-class distance runners.
What did Lasse Virén do after retiring from running?
After his athletic career, Virén entered Finnish politics and went on to serve as a member of Finland's parliament.
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