Paavo Johannes Nurmi (Finnish pronunciation: (ˈpɑːʋo ˈnurmi) (listen); 13 June 1897 -- 2 October 1973) was a Finnish middle - and long - distance runner. He was nicknamed the "Flying Finn '' as he dominated distance running in the early 20th century. Nurmi set 22 official world records at distances between 1500 metres and 20 kilometres, and won nine gold and three silver medals in his twelve events in the Olympic Games. At his peak, Nurmi was undefeated at distances from 800 m upwards for 121 races. Throughout his 14 - year career, he remained unbeaten in cross country events and the 10,000 m.
finnish runner who won nine gold medals in 1920
Paavo Johannes Nurmi