Julius Saaristo facts for kids

Saaristo at the 1912 Olympics
Quick facts for kids Personal information
Birth name	Juho Julius Saaristo
Nationality	Finnish
Born	21 July 1891 Tampere, Finland
Died	12 October 1969 (aged 78) Tampere, Finland
Height	1.81 m (5 ft 11 in)
Weight	81 kg (179 lb)
Sport
Sport	Athletics
Event(s)	Javelin throw, shot put, pole vault
Club	Viipurin Urheilijat, Helsinki Tampereen Pyrintö, Tampere
Achievements and titles
Personal best(s)	JT – 62.85 m (1920) SP – 12.62 m (1911) PV – 3.35 m (1911)
Medal record Representing  Finland Olympic Games Gold 1912 Stockholm Two-handed javelin throw Silver 1912 Stockholm Javelin throw

Juho Julius Saaristo (born July 21, 1891 – died October 12, 1969) was a talented Finnish track and field athlete. He is best known for his success in the javelin throw. Julius Saaristo won two medals at the 1912 Olympic Games. He earned a silver medal in the regular javelin throw event. He also won a gold medal in the unique two-handed javelin throw. This special event combined the best throws from both the right and left hands.

Saaristo continued his Olympic journey, placing fourth in the javelin throw at the 1920 Olympics. He was also a national champion in Finland. He held the Finnish national title for javelin in 1910, 1911, and 1919.

Early Life and Education

Julius Saaristo was born in Tampere, Finland. His parents were Kaarlo Saaristo and Wilhelmina Lindberg. He began his studies at the Tampere Industrial School in 1909. From 1912 to 1915, he went to Germany. There, he studied machinery and electrical engineering.

Military Service and Family Life

In 1915, Julius Saaristo joined the German Army. He served as part of the 27th Jäger Battalion. He later returned to Finland in 1918. He continued to serve in the Finnish Army for many years. He was discharged from service after a major global conflict ended.

In 1928, Saaristo married Olga Lydia Honkanen. They had two sons together. They also had an adopted daughter. Julius Saaristo passed away in 1969 at the age of 78.