Matti Hamberg

Matti Hamberg was born in Finland, but lived part of his childhood in Denmark during World War II. After the conflict, he began capturing medals in speed skating at the Finnish national championships at the start of the 1950s. In 1956 he won the Finnish 500 metres title and was selected to represent his country at that year’s Cortina d’Ampezzo Games. There, he placed joint-9th in the 500 metres (with compatriot Juhani Järvinen), 18th in the 1500 metres, and 32nd in the 5000 metres. He continued competing until 1958, when a foot injury ended his competitive career, and later worked as a firefighter, also organizing department sporting events.

Personal Bests: 500 – 42.2 (1956); 1500 – 2:14.4 (1956); 5000 – 8:28.1 (1956); 10000 – 19:08.2 (1954).