Matti Järvinen
Matti Järvinen (1909–1985) was a Finnish javelin thrower and one of the most dominant athletes in the sport during the…
Matti Järvinen (1909–1985) was a Finnish javelin thrower and one of the most dominant athletes in the sport during the 1930s. He is best known for winning the gold medal in the javelin throw at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics and for setting multiple world records throughout his career. Järvinen’s remarkable achievements helped establish Finland’s reputation as a powerhouse in javelin throwing during the early 20th century, a period often referred to as the “Golden Era of Finnish Athletics.”
Early Life and Athletic Beginnings
Matti Henrikki Järvinen was born on February 18, 1909, in Tampere, Finland. He grew up in an athletic family—his father, Verner Järvinen, was an Olympic bronze medalist in the discus throw in 1906, and his brothers also competed in athletics.
Inspired by his father’s athletic success, Matti became interested in track and field, with a particular focus on the javelin throw, a sport in which Finland already had a strong tradition.
Athletic Career and Olympic Success
Early Career and National Success:
Järvinen emerged as a dominant javelin thrower in Finland in the late 1920s, and by the early 1930s, he had established himself as one of the top athletes in the world. His strong technique, power, and consistent performances helped him gain attention both nationally and internationally.
1932 Los Angeles Olympics:
At the 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, Järvinen won the gold medal in the javelin throw with a best throw of 72.71 meters. This victory cemented his status as the world’s top javelin thrower and brought great pride to Finland, which was already known for its track and field prowess, particularly in distance running and javelin.
World Record Breaker:
Between 1930 and 1936, Järvinen set an astonishing 10 world records in the javelin, continually pushing the limits of the sport. His first world record came in 1930, and he kept breaking his own records throughout the next several years, setting his final world record of 77.23 meters in 1936. His ability to consistently improve his throws over such a long period of time made him one of the most celebrated javelin throwers in history.
The 1936 Berlin Olympics:
Järvinen entered the 1936 Berlin Olympics as the favorite to defend his title, but in a highly competitive field, he finished in fifth place. Despite not medaling, he remained one of the top throwers in the world and was celebrated for his contributions to the sport.
Later Life and Legacy
Retirement and Contributions to Athletics:
After his competitive career ended, Järvinen remained involved in athletics, working as a coach and promoter of Finnish sports. His impact on Finnish javelin throwing was significant, as he helped inspire future generations of athletes in the sport.
Legacy:
Järvinen’s legacy is defined by his incredible consistency, technical excellence, and dominance in the javelin during the 1930s. His 10 world records in the javelin throw, combined with his Olympic gold medal, made him one of the most successful and respected athletes in Finnish history.
He is often remembered alongside other Finnish javelin throwers of the time, like Yrjö Nikkanen and Eino Penttilä, as part of Finland’s Golden Era in javelin.
Death:
Matti Järvinen died on July 22, 1985, at the age of 76. He left behind a legacy of excellence in the javelin throw, and his contributions to Finnish athletics are still celebrated today.
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