Helena Takalo

Anni Helena Takalo (née Kivioja, born 28 October 1947) is a Finnish former cross-country skier. She was born in Nivala, and was dominant women's cross-country skiing in the 1970s, earning five Winter Olympic medals and four FIS Nordic World Ski Championships medals (golds in 5 km and 4 × 5 km relay (both 1978), and bronzes in 3 × 5 km relay, 10 km (1974), and 20 km (1978).).

Takalo also won the women's 5 km at the Holmenkollen ski festival in 1976. For her cross-country skiing successes, she earned the Holmenkollen medal in 1977 (Shared with Hilkka Riihivuori and Walter Steiner).

Cross-country skiing results All results are sourced from the International Ski Federation (FIS).

Olympic Games 5 medals – (1 gold, 3 silver, 1 bronze) Year Age 5 km 10 km 3/4 × 5 km relay 1968 20 22 — 1972 24 9 5 Silver 1976 28 Gold Silver Silver 1980 32 5 Bronze 5

World Championships 5 medals – (2 gold, 3 bronze) Year Age 5 km 10 km 20 km 3/4 × 5 km relay 1970 22 8 7 Bronze 1974 26 9 Bronze 4 1978 30 Gold 13 Bronze Gold 1982 34 29 — 24 4

World Cup Season standings Season Age Overall 1982 34 47