David Kolehmainen facts for kids

David "Tatu" Kolehmainen (born September 10, 1885 – died April 7, 1918) was a Finnish wrestler. He was known for his skills in amateur wrestling. David competed for his country in the Olympic Games.

Who Was David Kolehmainen?

David Kolehmainen, often called "Tatu," was a strong and skilled wrestler from Finland. He was born on September 10, 1885, in a town called Eura. David grew up to become a dedicated athlete. He trained hard to become one of the best wrestlers in his country.

His Olympic Journey

David Kolehmainen was an Olympian! He represented Finland at the 1912 Summer Olympics. These important games took place in Stockholm, Sweden. David competed in the wrestling event. Specifically, he was in the "lightweight" category. This category is for wrestlers who weigh a certain amount, not too heavy. Competing in the Olympics was a huge honor for David. It showed his talent and hard work in the sport.

A Difficult Time in Finland

David lived during a challenging period in Finland's history. There was a conflict known as the Finnish Civil War. This was a time when different groups in Finland had serious disagreements. They ended up fighting against each other. David joined one of these groups, called the Red Guards. Sadly, he lost his life during this conflict. He died on April 7, 1918, in Helsinki, Finland. This happened during a major event known as the Battle of Tampere.