Matti Henrikki Jarvinen Finnish track and field athlete Date of Birth: 18.02.1909 Country: Finland

1. Matti Henrik Järvinen: Finnish Olympic Javelin Champion
2. Early Inspiration and Training
3. Olympic Glory in Los Angeles
4. European Success and World Records
5. Disappointment in Berlin
6. Wartime Service and Post-War Career
7. Legacy and Honors

Matti Henrik Järvinen: Finnish Olympic Javelin Champion

Matti Henrik Järvinen, born on February 18, 1909, in Tampere, Finland, was a legendary Finnish track and field athlete who specialized in javelin throw. His father, Verner Järvinen, had been a medalist in the 1906 and 1908 Olympic Games, thus inspiring Matti to pursue athletics from a young age.

Early Inspiration and Training

At the age of 11, Järvinen began participating in school javelin competitions. In 1920, he met Jonni Myyrä, the reigning Olympic champion in javelin throw. Myyrä's advice encouraged Järvinen to intensify his training. Throughout the 1930s, he dominated various competitions and set new world records.

Olympic Glory in Los Angeles

In 1932, Järvinen achieved his greatest triumph at the X Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles. He won the gold medal in javelin throw, breaking the Olympic record by over 6 meters with a distance of 72 meters 71 centimeters. Notably, the top three finishers in the event were all Finnish athletes.

European Success and World Records

In addition to his Olympic gold, Järvinen was a two-time European champion in 1934 and 1938. He also became a multiple world record holder in javelin throw. Between 1930 and 1936, he improved the world record ten times, increasing the distance from 71 meters 06 centimeters to 77 meters 23 centimeters.

Disappointment in Berlin

At the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin, Järvinen finished in fifth place with a distance of 69 meters 18 centimeters. According to contemporaries, an injured elbow prevented him from achieving a higher finish.

Wartime Service and Post-War Career

During World War II, Järvinen served in the Finnish army and trained soldiers in grenade throwing. After the war, he worked in the field of economics while continuing to participate in athletics. He conducted training sessions for young athletes and passed on his knowledge and expertise.

Legacy and Honors

Matti Henrik Järvinen died on July 22, 1985, in Helsinki, Finland, at the age of 76. His achievements as an Olympic champion and world record holder left an enduring legacy in Finnish athletics. In his honor, a tower was erected at the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki, standing at the same height as his record-breaking javelin throw.