Leo Linkovesi

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Leo Ensio Linkovesi (born April 8, 1947 in Helsinki , † November 7, 2006 in Kerava ) was a Finnish speed skater who specialized in short distances.

Linkovesi had his international breakthrough in 1972 after making his debut at the 1970 World Individual Distance Championships in West Allis . On January 8, 1972, he broke in Davos not only Erhard Keller's world record in the 500 meter range (around 0.3 seconds to 38.0 seconds), but also presented with 156.500 points a new world record in the sprint all-around on. He then went on as one of the aspirants to win the 1972 Winter Olympics in Sapporo , but only finished sixth in the basement victory, which was disappointing for him. At the first world championships in sprint all-around he became the first world champion of the discipline on February 27, 1972 in Eskilstuna . In 1973 in Gothenburg he won the professional silver medal behind Hasse Börjes , but ahead of his long-term rival Keller. At the European Sprint Championships for professionals in 1974 in Savalen , he came third behind Börjes and Ivar Eriksen .

Linkovesi was the last Finnish speed skater to win an international title or set a world record until his death. In 1973 he became a professional in the professional speed skating league , but after it went bankrupt a year later, he moved back. He remained active at the national level until 1980.

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personal data
SURNAME Linkovesi, Leo
ALTERNATIVE NAMES Linkovesi, Leo Ensio (full name)
BRIEF DESCRIPTION Finnish speed skater
DATE OF BIRTH April 8, 1947
PLACE OF BIRTH Helsinki
DATE OF DEATH November 7, 2006
Place of death Kerava