1972: Lasse VIREN (#228) of Finland raises his hands in victory at the conclusion of his gold medal win in the men's 5000m at Games of the XX Olympiad in Munich. Tunisian Mohamed GAMMOUDI, (#904) was second and Ian STEWART of Great Britain (#309) was third. Credit: Getty Images/Hulton Deutsch

Born: 22 July 1949

Birthplace: Myrskylä (Finland)

Nationality: Finland

Sport: Athletics

ATTENDANCE AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES

Munich 1972

Montreal 1976

Moscow 1980

AWARDS

Olympic medals:

Gold: 4

Other results:

European Championships

Bronze: 1 (74)

Double Distance Double

Lasse Virén was a 23-year-old policeman when he made his Olympic debut in 1972. His first event was the 10,000m. Midway through the race, Virén was running in fifth place when he suddenly stumbled and fell. He rose quickly and moved up to second place within 230 metres. The lead changed hands several times. Then with 1½ laps to go, Virén applied pressure. One by one, his opponents fell behind. Virén won by six metres and broke the seven-year-old world record. Ten days later, in the 5,000m final, Virén fought off the challenge of Mohamed Gammoudi of Tunisia to complete the long distance track double. At the 1976 Montréal Olympics, Virén had an easier time in the 10,000m. Carlos Lopes led for most of the race. Virén passed him 450 metres from the finish and won by 30 metres. The 5,000m was harder. Although Virén was in the lead at the beginning of the last lap, only five metres separated the first six runners. Coming out of the final turn, Virén beat back a fierce challenge by New Zealand's Dick Quax and won his fourth gold medal. Virén is the only repeat winner of the 5,000m. He returned to the Olympics in 1980, placing fifth in the 10,000m and, indisposed by an intestinal ailment, dropping out of the marathon. Lasse Virén was a strong supporter of training in the woods. "The tranquillity of nature creates mental strength" he said. "When you run in the woods, you will have to change rhythm to avoid roots, just in the same way as you have to be constantly alert in a competition".