Risto Hurme was probably the most successful Finnish pentathlete internationally in the 1970s, although he never won a Finnish modern pentathlon title. His biggest accomplishment was winning the surprise bronze medal at the 1972 Olympics in the team event while finishing eighth individually. Hurme also competed at the 1976 Olympics and 1971 and 1973-75 World Championships but didn’t medal again.
His best individual places at the World Championships were fourth in 1971 and 1973. Domestically Hurme won modern pentathlon silvers in 1973 and 1974 and bronzes in 1969 and 1971 at the Finnish Championships. He was also the Finnish champion in individual épée in 1969 and in team épée in 1969 and 1970. By profession, Hurme was a dentist.