Ernst Idla
Estonian gymnastics coach and sports pedagogue
About Ernst Idla
Lived 1901 – 1980 (aged 79). Ernst Idla was a Swedish and Estonian sports pedagogue, coach, military personnel, teacher and philosopher.
Ernst Idla (8 April 1901 – 5 December 1980) was an Estonian sport coach and sport pedagogue.
He was born in Särevere rural municipality, Järva County.
He participated on Estonian War of Independence, being a soldier in military unit called Kalevlaste Maleva.
In 1920s he was gymnastic pedagogue in several schools in Tallinn. In 1931 he established Tallinn Gymnastics Institute. In 1934 he initiated so-called radio gymnastics. He was one of the founders of Estonian Gymnasts' Federation.
In 1944 he fled to Sweden. In Sweden he directed Estonian gymnastic groups. In 1977, the gymnastic centre Idla Centre was established in Stockholm.
Awards: 1968: Order of Vasa, I rank
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Important facts
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Ernst Idla?
Estonian gymnastics coach and sports pedagogue (1901–1980)
When was Ernst Idla born?
Ernst Idla was born on 8 April 1901 in Särevere Rural Municipality.
When did Ernst Idla die?
Ernst Idla died on 5 December 1980 in Stockholm.
What was Ernst Idla's occupation?
Ernst Idla was a sports pedagogue, coach, military personnel, teacher and philosopher.
What nationality was Ernst Idla?
Ernst Idla was Swedish and Estonian.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Ernst Idla. https://biography.guide/ernst-idla/
MLA: "Ernst Idla." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/ernst-idla/.
Chicago: "Ernst Idla." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/ernst-idla/.
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