Yrjö Nikkanen

Jouko Yrjö Nikkanen (31 December 1914 – 18 November 1985) was a Finnish javelin thrower, who won a silver medal at the 1936 Summer Olympics. His best throw of 70.77 meters was only one meter behind that of the gold medalist Gerhard Stöck, and just five centimeters ahead that of Kalervo Toivonen.[1]

Yrjö Nikkanen
Personal information
Born31 December 1914
Kanneljärvi, Finland
Died18 November 1985 (aged 70)
Suoniemi, Finland
Height1.82 m (6 ft 0 in)
Weight77 kg (170 lb)
Sport
SportAthletics
Event(s)Steeplechase, 5000 m, 10000 m
ClubPölläkkälän Ura
Achievements and titles
Personal best(s)78.70 m (1938)[1][2]
Medal record
Representing  Finland
Olympic Games
1936 Berlin Javelin throw
European Championships
1938 ParisJavelin throw
1946 OsloJavelin throw

On 25 August 1938, Nikkanen set a world record at 77.87 meters; less than two months later, on 16 October 1938, he had improved his record to 78.70 m. Nikkanen's record was bettered only on 8 August 1953 by Bud Held.[3]

References
  1. Yrjö Nikkanen. sports-reference.com
  2. Yrjö Nikkanen. trackfield.brinkster.net
  3. Javelin World Record Progression. saunalahti.fi


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