Oskar Wetzell

At the age of two, Oskar Wetzell contracted influenza and remained deaf for the rest of his life. In Porvoo, he attended a school for the deaf and dumb and was then trained as a bookbinder. Together with Toivo Aro and Kalle Kainuvaara, Oskar Wetzell was the most successful Finnish diver during the first quarter of the 20th century. Over a period of 20 years (1908-1927), he had about 15 podiums at Finnish championships, including four titles in platform diving (1908, 1909, 1911, 1913) and five in springboard diving (1908, 1909, 1912, 1913 and 1921). He was also active in wrestling and gymnastics. In 1920, Wetzell was instrumental in founding the Finnish Deaf Sports Association.

Wetzell learned his first magic tricks from Fritz Hirn, a teacher who was also deaf. He obtained relevant literature and equipment and rehearsed new tricks. As a well-known magician, he then performed at private parties and in cabarets and even went on small tours in western Finland.

Wetzell was married to Selma Maria Forsström, and together they had four children.