Heikki Olavi Suomalainen (born 27 March 1947 inSääminki) is aFinnish formermarathon runner. He won theBoston Marathon in 1972 by an 18-second margin overVíctor Mora. In 1973 he finished third at the same race.[1]
During his career, Olavi Suomalainen sustained injuries and failed to qualify for theSummer Olympics orEuropean Championships in Athletics. He took the bronze medal at the Finnish Championship Marathon in the Olympic years 1972 and 1976. However, in 1976 gold medalistHåkan Spik, silver medalistJukka Toivola, andLasse Virén were nominated to theOlympic Marathon.[1]
Suomalainens winning time 2:15:39 at the 1972'sBoston Marathon remained his personal best. Olavi Suomalainen has aMaster of Science inEngineering.[1]
| Year | Competition | Venue | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Representing Finland | ||||
| 1972 | Boston Marathon | Boston, United States | 1st | 2:15:39 |
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