About Sylvi Saimo
Lived 1914 – 2004 (aged 89). Sylvi Saimo was a Finnish politician and canoeist.
Sylvi Riitta Saimo ( Sikiö, 12 November 1914 – 12 March 2004) was a Finnish sprint canoeist and politician. She was the first female Finnish Olympic Champion at the Summer Olympics, winning a gold medal in K-1 500 m at the 1952 Summer Olympics. She also competed in cross-country skiing, athletics and orienteering. She was a member of the Finnish Parliament from 1966 to 1978.
Personal life Saimo was born in the former Finnish municipality of Jaakkima (currently Lakhdenpokhsky District, Russia) on 12 November 1914. She died in Laukaa in 2004.
Sports career Saimo competed in several sports, including skiing, athletics, orienteering and canoeing. That was first and only gold medal by Finnish woman at Summer Olympics,
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Important facts
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Sylvi Saimo?
Finnish sprint canoeist (1914–2004)
When was Sylvi Saimo born?
Sylvi Saimo was born on 12 November 1914 in Ruskeala.
When did Sylvi Saimo die?
Sylvi Saimo died on 12 March 2004 in Laukaa.
What was Sylvi Saimo's occupation?
Sylvi Saimo was a politician and canoeist.
What nationality was Sylvi Saimo?
Sylvi Saimo was Finnish.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Sylvi Saimo. https://biography.guide/sylvi-saimo/
MLA: "Sylvi Saimo." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/sylvi-saimo/.
Chicago: "Sylvi Saimo." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/sylvi-saimo/.
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