Toivo Loukola

Toivo Loukola was a promising high jumper as a youth, but switched to the steeplechase in 1923 when he started to work with the Helsinki Police Force. Loukola ran an unofficial 3,000 metre steeplechase world record of 9:25.2 just a month before the 1928 Olympic Games. At Amsterdam Loukola first finished seventh in the 10K and then easily won his steeplechase heat. In the final the main favorites were the Finns Paavo Nurmi, Ville Ritola and Loukola, their leading steeplechase specialist, who had the best hopes for gold, because the first named were worn by their injuries and the grueling 5,000 race of the previous day. Although Ritola dropped off the lead early, the Finns were still going for the first three places. At 2,000 metres, when Nurmi had trouble with the barriers, Loukola made an attack and opened a 30 metre gap, which he held to the finish, winning in a world record 9:21.8, almost 10 seconds ahead of Nurmi. Domestically, Loukola won 11 Finnish titles, the 5,000 in 1928-29, the 10K in 1928-29, 1932 and 1936 and in the steeplechase in 1928-32. By profession, Loukola was a policeman.

Personal Bests: 10000 – 31:12.9 (1929); 3000S – 9:21.8 (1928).