Paavo Nurmi (1897–1973) was a Finnish middle and long-distance runner acclaimed as one of the greatest athletes of all time. Born in Turku, Finland, Nurmi rose to prominence in the 1920s, winning nine gold and three silver Olympic medals across three Olympics. Renowned for his exceptional endurance and strategic race tactics, he set numerous world records in distances ranging from 1,500 meters to 20 kilometers. Nurmi‘s dominance in the sport earned him the nickname “The Flying Finn.” His contributions to athletics and his enduring legacy as a pioneering figure in distance running continue to inspire athletes worldwide.
