Ilmari Salminen

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Medal record
Men's Athletics
Competitor for Flag of Finland Finland
Olympic Games
Gold 1936 Berlin 10.000 metres
European Championships
Gold 1934 Turin 10.000 metres
Gold 1938 Paris 10.000 metres
Bronze 1934 Turin 5.000 metres

Ilmari Salminen (September 21, 1902 in ElimäkiJanuary 5, 1986 in Kouvola) was a Finnish athlete, winner of the 10 000 m at the 1936 Summer Olympics.

Born in Elimäki, Finland, Ilmari Salminen was one of the best long distance runners in the 1930s.

Salminen began his international athletics career in 1934 by winning the 10,000 m and taking bronze in 5000 m at the first European Championships in Turin, thus becoming a main favorite at the Olympic 10,000 m run.

At the Berlin Olympics, Salminen, at first took the sixth place at the 5000 m final. On the next day, Salminen won against Arvo Askola and Volmari Iso-Hollo, two other Finns, in the 10,000 m final, winning only by 0.2 seconds.

In the next season, Salminen ran a new 10,000 m world record of 30:05.6. He also ran a new world record in 6 miles. Salminen finished his international career by winning the gold medal in 10 000 m at the 1938 European Championships and retired from athletics after the next season.

Records
Preceded by
Flag of Finland Paavo Nurmi
Men's 10.000m World Record Holder
July 18, 1937September 29, 1938
Succeeded by
Flag of Finland Taisto Mäki