#3 Paavo Nurmi
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Nicknamed “Flying Finn” for his dominating performances in distance running, in the early 20th century, Paavo Nurmi won nine gold medals between 1920-1928. He made his debut at 1920 Summer Olympic games in Antwerp, Belgium and added two golds in the 10,000m cross country, and team cross country.
Paavo Nurmi broke many records in Paris, four years later and became the first athlete to win five gold medals in the history of Olympic games. Nurmi won the 1500m, the 5,000m, the 3,000m team event and the two cross-country events in the peak of four days. The “Flying Finn also won the 5000m, less than two hours after the 1500m in the same Olympics. He won two golds in Amsterdam, four years later, and throughout his 14-year career, he remained unbeaten in cross country events and 10,000m.
Let’s look at the Olympic achievements of Paavo Nurmi below
Olympic Games’ appearances: 4
Number of Gold medals:9
Total medals won : 11
| Medal | Olympic games | Events |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | Amsterdam 1928 | 10000m men |
| Gold | Paris 1924 | 1500m men, 3000m men, 5000m men, Cross country team men, cross country individual men |
| Gold | Antwerp 1920 | 10000m men, Cross Country team men, Cross Country individual men |
| Silver | Amsterdam 1928 | 5000m men 3000m steeplechase men |
| Silver | Antwerp 1920 | 5000m men |
