Seppo Nikkari
Biographical information
| Roles | Competed in Olympic Games |
|---|---|
| Sex | Male |
| Full name | Seppo Olavi•Nikkari |
| Used name | Seppo•Nikkari |
| Nick/petnames | Kaipolan susi |
| Born | 6 February 1948 in Pomarkku, Satakunta (FIN) |
| Died | 18 April 2022 in Tampere, Pirkanmaa (FIN) |
| Measurements | 192 cm / 68-70 kg |
| Affiliations | Kaipolan Vire |
| NOC |  Finland |
Biography
Seppo Nikkari was a Finnish distance runner who ran the 1972 Olympic marathon, placing 11th. Later in 1972 Nikkari finished the Fukuoka Marathon in 2-14:02.8, setting the Finnish record. His early life was difficult as he developed leukemia when he was only 2-years-old but he was able to overcome the disease.
On 14 October 1973, at the Harju Sports Field in Jyväskylä, Nikkari set a world record for 25 km, running 1-14:55.6, and en route also broke the 15-mile world record, recording 1-12:22.6. Domestically he ran for Kaipola’s Viree, then Pyrinto of Tampere, and later represented Pomarkun Pyry, Tampereen Yritysta and Kunto-Pirkkoja. Nikkari worked for the City of Tampere Sports Department.
Personal Best: Mar – 2-14:02.8 (1972).
Results
| Games | Discipline (Sport) / Event | NOC / Team | Pos | Medal | As | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 Summer Olympics | Athletics | FIN |
Seppo Nikkari | |||
| Marathon, Men (Olympic) | 11 |