Tauno Jaskari, who later won World Championship medals in wrestling, was still looking for experience at the Helsinki Olympics.
Heikki Ali-Hokka,
SpongeBob Forsberg
Tuesday marked the 70th anniversary of the opening of the Helsinki Olympics. In honor of the celebration, the Olympic Day organized by the Finnish Olympic Committee was celebrated at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium on Wednesday. At the event, the public had the opportunity to try different sports and meet current and former top athletes.
There were Finnish athletes who participated in the 1952 Games. Those who represented Finland in swimming Kaija Syvälahti, Raili Laiho, Ritva Jaakkola and Ritva Ketonen have held one since the Games. In their nineties, they still call each other diligently.
– The phone definitely rings at least once a month, Ritva Jaakkola assured.
Uimarinelikko’s interview can be viewed as the main image of the story.
Wrestler Tauno Jaskari was the youngest participant of the Finnish team at the age of 18. Jaskari was still studying in Helsinki, but later in the 50s he won World Championship silver and bronze in freestyle wrestling.
– It was my first contact with the big world. The races showed what you have to do if you want to succeed in international races.
Aino Isomäki (then Autio) participated in the women’s 80-meter hurdles and the relay. The big international competitions excited the young competitor.
– Yes, your feet would be shaking in the starting pits. It was such an experience.