Kalevi Kotkas(1913-1983)

Kalevi Kotkas was born on August 10, 1913 in Tallinn, Estonia. Kotkas was an athlete who specialized in the high jump, shot put, and discus throw. Kalevi has the distinction of being the first European to finish first in the men's high jump at the 1934 European Championships held in Turin, Italy. Kalevi placed fourth in the men's high jump at the 1936 Olympic games in Berlin, Germany. Moreover, Kotkas came in second in the men's high jump at the 1938 European Championships and placed fourth once again in the men's discus throw at that same major sports event. In addition, Kalevi set four European records in the men's high jump in both 1934 and 1936. Kotkas died at age 70 on August 24, 1983 in Vantaa, Finland.