Well Come to the Pertti Karppinen Shrine!

Born: 17 February 1953

Birthplace: Vehmaa (Finland)

Nationality: Finland

Three times Olympic champion at single sculls in 1976, 1980 and 1984, and World champion in 1979 and 1985. He was also 2nd in the World in 1977, 1981 and 1986, and 3rd in 1987. At double sculls he was second in the 1981 World Championships with his brother Reima (b. 27 January 1958). His first international showing was seventh place at the 1973 European single sculls. He moved steadily up the rankings with 6th in 1974 and 4th in 1975 at the World Championships before his first Olympic gold. He was 7th in 1988 and competed in a fifth Olympics in 1992 but did not make the final.

Finnish National Radio broadcast clip from Moscow Olympics 1980 (real media)

A musical tribute to the rowing hero





ALL HAIL PERTTI KARPPINEN!