Siiri Rantanen

Siiri Johanna "Äitee" Rantanen ( Lintunen, 14 December 1924 – 5 May 2023) was a Finnish cross-country skier. She competed in the 1952, 1956, and 1960 Olympics and won a medal in each of them: a gold and a bronze in the 3 × 5 km relay in 1956–60 and another bronze in the individual 10 km in 1952; she placed fifth and 15th over 10 km in 1956 and 1960, respectively. She also won five medals at the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships.

Domestically Rantanen won six individual (10 km in 1954 and 1957–58; 5 km in 1960–1962) and five relay titles (1952, 1958–1961). Rantanen also won three Finnish titles in athletics: one individual in cross-country running in 1960 and two in 1961, in the 3 × 800 m relay and team cross-country; the same year she also became the Finnish champion in the 50 km cycling road race. She was selected as the Finnish female athlete of the year in 1954, 1956, 1958, and 1959. Rantanen worked as an upholsterer and continued competing in sports until her 80s.

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

Olympic Games 3 medals – (1 gold, 2 bronze) Year Age 10 km 3 × 5 km relay 1952 27 Bronze 1956 31 5 Gold 1960 35 15 Bronze

World Championships 5 medals – (3 silver, 2 bronze) Year Age 5 km 10 km 3 × 5 km relay 1954 29 Silver Silver 1958 33 Bronze Silver 1962 37 4 — Bronze