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Juhani Kärkinen facts for kids

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Juhani Kärkinen, circa 1960
Quick facts for kids
Personal information
Born 28 October 1935 (1935-10-28)
Kotka, Finland
Died 29 August 2019(2019-08-29) (aged 83)
Lahti, Finland
Height 165 cm
Weight 63 kg
Sport
Sport Ski jumping
Club Lahden Hiihtoseura, Lahti
Medal record
Representing  Finland
World Championships
Gold 1958 Lahti Individual large hill

Juhani Tapio Antero Kärkinen (born October 28, 1935 – died August 29, 2019) was a talented Finnish ski jumper. He is best known for winning a gold medal at the 1958 World Ski Championships. He also competed in the 1960 Winter Olympics.

Juhani Kärkinen: A Ski Jumping Champion

Juhani Kärkinen was a Finnish athlete who became a world champion in ski jumping. He was born in Kotka, Finland, and later lived in Lahti. Juhani was not the only ski jumper in his family; his older brother, Kalevi Kärkinen, was also a well-known international ski jumper.

Early Life and Sport

Juhani Kärkinen was born in 1935. He grew up to be 165 cm tall and weighed 63 kg, which are good measurements for a ski jumper. He trained and competed for the Lahden Hiihtoseura club in Lahti, Finland. Ski jumping requires a lot of skill, bravery, and precision. Athletes launch themselves from a ramp and try to fly as far as possible, landing smoothly.

World Championship Victory

Juhani Kärkinen's biggest achievement came in 1958. He competed at the 1958 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships held in Lahti, Finland. This was a very special event for him because it was in his home country. Juhani won the gold medal in the individual large hill competition. This was a huge victory for him and for Finland. Winning a world championship means you are the best in the world at your sport.

Olympic Experience

After his world championship win, Juhani Kärkinen went on to compete in the 1960 Winter Olympics. The Olympics are the biggest sports event in the world. He participated in the normal hill event. Juhani finished in eighth place, which is a very good result at the Olympic Games. Competing at the Olympics is a dream for many athletes.

Legacy of a Jumper

Juhani Kärkinen passed away in 2019 at the age of 83. He is remembered as a world champion ski jumper from Finland. His gold medal in 1958 showed his amazing talent and dedication to the sport. He is an important part of Finnish ski jumping history.

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