Veli Saarinen

Veli Selim Saarinen (16 September 1902 – 12 October 1969) was a Finnish cross-country skier who competed in the 1928 and 1932 Olympics.

In 1928, he finished fourth in the 18 km event. In 1932, he won a gold in the 50 km and a bronze in the 18 km event, becoming the first Finnish cross-country skier to win an Olympic gold medal. Yet his biggest success came at the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships, where he won six medals between 1926 and 1934, including three gold medals.

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

Olympic Games 2 medals – (1 gold, 1 bronze) Year Age 18 km 50 km 1928 25 4 — 1932 29 Bronze Gold

World Championships 6 medals – (3 gold, 2 silver, 1 bronze) Year Age 17 km 18 km 30 km 50 km 4 × 10 km relay 1926 23 Bronze 9 1929 26 Gold Silver 1930 27 5 6 1933 30 4 Gold — 1934 31 Silver — Gold