Veikko Hakulinen


Veikko Johannes Hakulinen was a Finnish cross-country skier, triple champion in both the Olympics and World Championships. He also competed in biathlon, orienteering, ski-orienteering, cross-country running and rowing at a national level.

Biography

Hakulinen won the 50 km event at the 1952 Winter Olympics with a memorable time of 3:33.33. Finland also won the 4 × 10 km relay, but Hakulinen was not on the team. Hakulinen was part of the Finland's winning relay team in the 1960 Winter Olympics, and won the 30 km gold in the 1956 Olympics. At his fourth games in 1964 he served as the Finnish Olympic flag bearer and competed only in biathlon.
In Finland, Hakulinen was chosen as sports personality of the year in 1952–1954 and 1960. He was decorated with the Pro Urheilu letter of recognition 2000.
Hakulinen also won the 50 km at the Holmenkollen ski festival twice, the 18 km and the 15 km. For his efforts in cross-country skiing, Hakulinen was awarded the Holmenkollen medal in 1955.
Hakulinen was a forester by profession and held the rank of sergeant in the Finnish Army. He died in Valkeakoski in a car accident on 24 October 2003.

Cross-country skiing results

All results are sourced from the International Ski Federation.

Olympic Games

Year Age 15 km 18 km 30 km 50 km 4 × 10 km
relay
195227Gold
1956314GoldSilverSilver
196035Bronze6SilverGold

World Championships