Introduction
Every nation has its heroes, and Finland is not an exception. One of Finland’s most celebrated sports legends is Rauno Ronkainen, the master ski jumper who represented his country in four Olympics and won numerous World Cup ski jumping events. He was a force to reckon with, given his formidable athletic skills.
Although we know Rauno Ronkainen dominated the ski jumping world in his prime, there are untold stories that many people don’t know about his life and career. This blog post aims to delve into the untold story of Rauno Ronkainen, Finland’s legendary ski jumper.
Early Life and Beginnings
Rauno Ronkainen was born on November 7, 1943, in Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland. He came from humble beginnings, and his family lived in a small cabin without running water or electricity. Ronkainen started skiing at an early age and became proficient in the sport.
He began his organized ski jumping career at the age of fourteen and instantly displayed remarkable talent. By the time he was seventeen, he was already competing in Finland’s premiere ski jumping competition, the Four Hills Tournament.
Rise to Fame: Competitions, Records, and Achievements
Rauno Ronkainen’s ski jumping career was nothing short of spectacular. Between 1962 and 1975, he won 68 starts in the world cup competitions, including the Olympic Games and the Four Hills Tournament. In 1971, Ronkainen jumped 170 meters in Planica, setting a new world record at the time.
At the 1968 Grenoble Olympics, Ronkainen won Finland’s first medal in ski jumping. He also won two silver medals in the 1972 Sapporo Olympics and a bronze medal in the 1976 Innsbruck Olympics. Ronkainen won the Four Hills Tournament in 1975, adding another feather to his cap of immense achievements.
The Ronka: Signature Jump of Rauno Ronkainen
Rauno Ronkainen’s signature jump, which he called the “Ronka,” was one of his most impressive feats on the ski jumping hill. He would sway his arms in a peculiar way, half-pigeon and half-flamingo before taking off. During the jump, he would align his legs in a V-shape mid-air before landing with grace and precision.
Ronkainen claimed that the technique increased the aerodynamic efficiency of the jump, thus improving the overall performance. It was this iconic jump that helped Ronkainen win many titles, awards, and accolades.
Life after Ski Jumping
Rauno Ronkainen’s retirement from ski jumping in 1975 didn’t stop him from excelling. After retiring from competition, he became a successful entrepreneur, working in the field of real estate and travel. He also remained active in sports, coaching young ski jumpers, and serving as a judge in ski jumping competitions.
In 1996, Ronkainen decided to enter politics and was elected to the Finnish Parliament as a member of the Centre Party. He later served in the European Parliament from 2004 to 2009, where he was a member of the Committee on Industry, Research, and Energy.
Loved by His Fans
Rauno Ronkainen won the hearts of many people, both in Finland and internationally. He was not only a great athlete but also a man of admirable and unyielding character. His fans admired him for his humility, generosity, and willingness to mentor young ski jumpers.
Even after his death on 7th January 2011, Ronkainen’s legend lives on. The Ronku Champion’s Park, a 30-meter ski jumping hill in Rovaniemi, Finland, was named in his honor. It is a testament to the enduring impact that Ronkainen had on the sport of skiing and the people of Finland.
FAQs
Q1. What made Rauno Ronkainen’s “Ronka” jump unique?
A1. Ronkainen’s “Ronka” jump was unique because of the peculiar movement of his arms, which he called half-pigeon and half-flamingo. This, coupled up with a V-shaped posture during mid-air, improved the aerodynamic efficiency of the jump, making his performance exceptional.
Q2. How many medals did Rauno Ronkainen win in the Olympic games?
A2. Rauno Ronkainen won a total of three Olympic medals, two silver, and one bronze medal.
Q3. What was Rauno Ronkainen’s most significant achievement in his ski jumping career?
A3. His most significant achievement was winning the Four Hills Tournament in 1975, which further cemented his place in the annals of ski jumping history.
Q4. Did Rauno Ronkainen have any friends in sports, and did he mentor anyone?
A4. Rauno Ronkainen was known to have befriended many people in sports, and he mentored young ski jumpers, even after retiring from active competition.
Q5. What was Rauno Ronkainen’s contribution to politics?
A5. In 1996, Rauno Ronkainen entered politics and was elected to the Finnish Parliament as a member of the Centre Party. He later served in the European Parliament from 2004 to 2009.
Q6. How did Rauno Ronkainen pass away?
A6. Rauno Ronkainen passed a way on 7th January 2011.
Q7. How is Rauno Ronkainen remembered today?
A7. Ronkainen’s legacy lives on, as evidenced by The Ronku Champion’s Park, a 30-meter ski jumping hill named in his honor in Rovaniemi, Finland.
Conclusion
Rauno Ronkainen was not only a great ski jumper but an exceptional human being too. His legend still reverberates within Finland and beyond, inspiring new generations to strive for excellence in sports. Through his iconic jump, the “Ronka,” Ronkainen showcased his talent, drive, and tenacity, forever etching his name in ski jumping history. Although he may have passed on, Ronkainen’s spirit lives on, inspiring many to become legendary athletes and champions in their own right.