Jussi Rintamäki

Finnish track sprinter and hurdler Jussi Rintamäki began his career as a junior in the mid-1950s before becoming a multiple-time national champion. Rintamäki won his first national title in 1958 when he was part of the quartet that took gold in the 4 x 400 metres relay. He then won five consecutive titles in the same event from 1959 to 1963, along with the 4 x 100 metres relay title in 1959. His individual record was equally impressive, with him winning five consecutive national titles in the 400 metres hurdles from 1959 to 1963 and three consecutive titles in the 400 metres from 1960 to 1962.

Rintamäki also represented the Finnish national team from 1955 until 1963, setting four national records during this period. In 1960 he was selected to compete at the Roma Olympics, where he finished fifth in the final of the 400 metres hurdles. He was also part of the quartet for the 4 × 400 metres relay, but the Finnish team failed to advance from their heat. One year after the Games he won the 400 metres hurdles and 440 yard hurdles titles at the Nordic Championships and AAA Championships, respectively. In 1962 Rintamäki just missed out on a medal at the European Athletics Championships in Beograd after finishing fourth in the 400 metres hurdles.

In his day job Rintamäki first worked in a telephone exchange in Turku before spending a decade as a firefighter. After training as a physical education instructor, he was eventually appointed as the deputy sports director in Turku, a role he held until his retirement in 1995.

Personal Bests: 400 – 46.9 (1961); 400H – 50.98 (1960).