Girja Shanker Dixit
Paavo Nurmi, widely celebrated as the “Flying Finn” and the “Phantom Finn,” was a Finnish middle- and long-distance runner who redefined distance running in the 1920s. With 22 official world records spanning distances from 1,500 meters to 20 kilometers, Nurmi remains a symbol of endurance, precision, and determination in the history of athletics.
Born into a working-class family, Nurmi left school at 12 to support his family financially. Inspired by fellow Finnish runner Hannes Kolehmainen’s Olympic triumphs, he adopted a rigorous training regimen that laid the foundation for his legendary career. During his military service, Nurmi honed his athletic skills, setting Finnish records before making his international debut at the 1920 Summer Olympics. There, he won silver in the 5,000 meters and gold in the 10,000 meters and cross-country events.
Nurmi’s dominance reached its peak during the 1924 Paris Olympics, where he achieved an unprecedented feat: setting world records in the mile, 5,000 meters, and 10,000 meters within hours. Despite a scorching heatwave, Nurmi returned home with five gold medals, though he was disappointed not to compete in the 10,000 meters due to Finnish officials’ decisions.
He became the only athlete to simultaneously hold world records in the mile, 5,000 meters, and 10,000 meters—a remarkable achievement yet to be replicated. Nurmi’s analytical approach, running with a stopwatch to maintain an even pace, revolutionized the sport.
After a grueling U.S. tour in 1925, Nurmi faced injuries and increased competition from rivals like Ville Ritola and Edvin Wide. At the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, he reclaimed the 10,000-meter title but settled for silver in the 5,000 meters and 3,000-meter steeplechase. Turning to longer distances, he broke records in the one-hour run and the 25-mile marathon.
Nurmi aimed to cap his career with a marathon gold at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics, echoing his idol Kolehmainen. However, a controversy over his amateur status led to his suspension, preventing him from competing. This marked the end of his competitive career.
In retirement, Nurmi coached Finnish athletes, contributed to war relief efforts, and pursued ventures as a haberdasher, contractor, and stock trader, amassing significant wealth. His scientific approach to training and pacing inspired generations of runners and elevated running to an international sport.
Nurmi’s official record count of 22 world records is complemented by numerous unofficial achievements, totaling 58. His Olympic gold medal tally stood unmatched until it was surpassed by swimmer Michael Phelps in 2008. Recognized as one of the greatest Olympians of all time, Nurmi was inducted into the IAAF Hall of Fame in 2012.
Paavo Nurmi’s legacy endures as a testament to discipline, innovation, and resilience, securing his place among the all-time greats of athletics.
