Lasse Artturi Virén

Lasse Artturi Virén is a Finnish former long distance runner born on 22^nd July 1949. He received the title of the "Flying Finns" which is often given to successful Finnish athletes.

His Achievements:-

• He bagged a gold medal in 5000 and 10000-meter events at the 1972 Munich Summer Olympics. He repeated the success in the following year by participating in the same event.
• He won the gold medal in 5000 and 10000-meter event at the 1976 Montreal Summer Olympics.
• He secured Bronze in the 5000-meter event at the 1974 European Championship which was held in Rome.
• He was twice elected as the "Finnish Sportsman of the Year" 1972 and 1976.
• In 2014, his name was inducted into the prestigious IAAF's Hall of Fame.