Sulo Nurmela

Sulo Nurmela (13 February 1908 – 13 August 1999) was a Finnish cross-country skier. He won a gold medal at the 1936 Winter Olympics in the 4 × 10 km relay and served as the Finnish flag bearer at those games.[1][2]

Sulo Nurmela

Sulo Nurmela in 1937
Personal information
Born	13 February 1908 Onkamaa, Miehikkälä, Finland
Died	13 August 1999 (aged 91) Hamina, Finland
Height	173 cm (5 ft 8 in)
Weight	62–69 kg (137–152 lb)
Sport
Sport	Cross-country skiing
Club	Vehkaladen Veikot
Medal record Men's cross-country skiing Representing  Finland Olympic Games 1936 Garmisch-Partenkirchen 4 × 10 km relay World Championships 1934 Sollefteå 18 km 1934 Sollefteå 4 × 10 km relay 1935 Vysoké Tatry 4 × 10 km relay

Nurmela won two world titles in 1934: in the individual 18 km and 4 × 10 km relay events. While traveling to Czechoslovakia to the next world championships he became ill with a high fever and had to withdraw from his individual races. Yet he felt obliged to compete in the relay, as Finland sent only four skiers, and there was no substitute. His first three teammates gained a two-minute lead, and Nurmela managed to finish more than a minute ahead of the competitors and win his third world title.[1]

Nurmela won three races in the Lahti Ski Games: 17 km in 1934 and 1937 and 50 km in 1937. He retired after placing eighth over 50 km at the 1938 World Championships. He worked as a farmer most of his life.[1]