Paavo Nurmi was a legendary runner whose achievements made the newly independent Finland known to the world. In his numerous appearances at various Olympic Games Nurmi won altogether nine gold and three silver medals. He improved world records 25 times over 15 different distances. His last appearance in the Olympics almost never happened. Helsinki hosted the Games in 1952 and it took a much negotiation before Nurmi agreed to carry the olympic torch to the stadium. But when he arrived the spectators broke into cheers of delight.

The Sports Museum Foundation of Finland, Helsinki