Seppo Räty

Seppo Räty, born on April 27, 1962, is a retired Finnish javelin thrower and customs officer, renowned for his remarkable achievements in track and field. He made his mark in the sport by winning the World Championship gold medal in 1987, showcasing his exceptional talent on the global stage.

Räty's Olympic journey is equally impressive, having secured three medals: a silver in 1992 and bronze medals in 1988 and 1996. His prowess in javelin throwing earned him the affectionate nicknames 'Tohmajärven karhu' or 'The Bear of Tohmajärvi' and 'Tohmajärven tykki' meaning 'The Cannon of Tohmajärvi'.

One of his most notable achievements includes a personal best throw of ninety-six point ninety-six meters, set in 1991. This remarkable feat was achieved with a 'Nemeth' javelin, which was later banned by the IAAF, leading to the retrospective deletion of all records made with it. Nevertheless, this throw remains recognized as a world record by the IAAF.

Räty's career was not without its challenges; during the 1987 World Championships, he became the subject of a widely circulated video showcasing a mishap where he tripped on the runway. Despite the embarrassment, the throw did not count as a foul, highlighting the unpredictable nature of sports.

After retiring from competitive athletics, Räty transitioned into coaching, where he continues to inspire the next generation of javelin throwers. As of two thousand eight, he has been mentoring Oona Sormunen, a promising athlete from Northern Karelia.