Kalevi Kotkas

Kalevi Kotkas, born on August 10, 1913, was a remarkable athlete who made his mark in the world of athletics as a high jumper, discus thrower, and shot putter. His journey began in Estonia, but he later represented Finland, showcasing his exceptional talent on international stages.

In 1934, Kotkas achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first European champion in high jump during the championships held in Turin. His prowess in the sport was further demonstrated when he competed in the Summer Olympics in both 1932 and 1936, where he showcased his skills against the world's best athletes.

During the 1936 Olympics, Kotkas cleared an impressive height of 2.00 meters, matching the heights of medalists Dave Albritton and Delos Thurber. However, due to more attempts, he finished in fourth place, a testament to the fierce competition he faced.

Throughout his career, Kotkas set four European records in high jump, with two of these records established in Rio de Janeiro in 1934 remaining unratified. The records that were ratified include an impressive height of 2.03 meters achieved in Helsinki on July 12, 1936, and a remarkable 2.04 meters in Gothenburg on September 1, 1936.