Elmer Niklander

Medal record

Niklander at the 1912 Games
Men’s athletics
Competitor for Finland
Olympic Games
Silver 1912 Stockholm 2-handed discus throw
Bronze 1912 Stockholm 2-handed shot put
Competitor for  Finland
Gold 1920 Antwerp Discus throw
Silver 1920 Antwerp Shot put

Elmer Konstantin Niklander (January 19, 1890 – November 12, 1942) was a Finnish athlete who competed in discus throw and shot put.

He was born in Rutajärvi, Hausjärvi and died in Helsinki.

Niklander took home silver in discus throw and bronze in shot put at the 1912 Summer Olympics. After having his career hampered by the First World War, he made a strong return at the 1920 Summer Olympics by winning the gold medal in discus throw and improving his shot put medal to a silver one.[1]

Niklander, nicknamed "Oitin kanuuna" ("Cannon from Oitti"), became an Olympic athlete through practice in his home yard and by taking part in athletic competitions arranged by the local fire department.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b "Oitin kanuuna" (in Finnish). YLE. http://www.yle.fi/elavaarkisto/?s=s&g=3&ag=18&t=209&a=490. Retrieved 2006-12-28.