Olavi Vuorisalo

Olavi Vuorisalo took up middle-distance running after World War II and was considered for the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, but was ultimately not selected. The following year, however, he became the first Finnish athlete to run the mile in less than four minutes and was named Finnish Sports Personality of the Year. He was fifth in the 1500 metres at the 1958 European Championships and eliminated in round one of that event at the 1960 Rome Olympics. Domestically, he was a six-time Finnish champion, with five victories in the 1500 metres (1955-1958, 1964) and one in cross-country (1957). He was runner-up in the 1500 metres from 1959 through 1961. By career, he was a caretaker and later worked as a firefighter.

Personal Best: 1500 – 3:40.3 (1957).