Two medals earned at the 1964 Olympic events define the sporting trajectory of Veikko Kankkonen, a Finnish athlete who transitioned from ski jumping dominance to national-level golf competition. Born on 5 January 1940 in Sotkamo, his career spanned three Olympic cycles and included victory in the Four Hills Tournament, alongside a distinct tenure as a professional turner.
Olympic and International Success
Kankkonen represented Finland at the 1960, 1964, and 1968 Olympics. His 1964 campaign proved most effective, yielding a gold medal in the individual normal hill and a silver medal in the individual large hill event. Beyond his Olympic results, he secured a win at the Holmenkollen ski festival in 1964, which led to him receiving the Holmenkollen Medal alongside Eero Mäntyranta, Georg Thoma, and Halvor Næs. He also carried the Finnish flag during the 1968 Olympic ceremony.
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Take the IQ test →Diversification in Sports
While defined largely by his jumping career, Kankkonen pursued diverse physical disciplines. He played pesäpallo for the Maila-Veikot Lahti club during the 1963–64 national championships. Later, he shifted focus toward golf, competing at the national level where he achieved a peak placement of fourth place. His personal life also saw a continuation of these athletic interests, as his son Anssi Kankkonen pursued professional golf after winning a national ski jumping title in 1985.
Professional Life and Coaching
Outside of competitive sport, Kankkonen maintained a background as a turner. This mechanical trade occupied his professional time alongside his athletic commitments. Upon concluding his competitive jumping career, he transitioned into a coaching role, sharing his expertise in ski jumping with future athletes. These varied roles allowed him to remain involved in the development of the sport long after his own final Olympic appearance.
Fast facts
- Born: 5 January 1940, Sotkamo, Finland
- Occupations: Athlete, golfer, ski jumper, pesäpallo player, turner
- Olympic Appearances: 1960, 1964, 1968
- Holmenkollen Medal recipient: 1964
- Pesäpallo club: Maila-Veikot Lahti
- Highest golf national finish: Fourth place
- Son: Anssi Kankkonen
Questions readers ask
Did Veikko Kankkonen win any Olympic gold medals?
Yes, he won the gold medal in the individual normal hill event at the 1964 Olympic competition.
What was his professional trade?
Kankkonen worked as a turner by trade before and during his career in sports.
