Lydia Wideman

Wideman in 1952

Lydia Wideman (later Wideman-Lehtonen; 17 May 1920 – 13 April 2019) was a Finnish Olympic cross-country skier gold medalist. She was born in Vilppula, Finland. She was the first female Olympic medalist in cross-country skiing.[1] In 1952 she competed in thirteen 10 km races and won all of them, including the 1952 Winter Olympics, national championships and Lahti Ski Games.[2]

In February 2018, following the death of Durward Knowles, she became the oldest living Olympic champion.[3] Wideman died on 13 April 2019, aged 98.[4]

References

  1. Arponen, Antti O.; Hannus, Matti; Honkavaara, Aarne; Leinonen, Kimmo; Mäki-Kuutti, Tarmo; Raatikainen, Voitto; Raevuori, Antero (1986) Talviurheilun tähdet, p. 123. WSOY.
  2. Lydia Wideman Archived 2011-01-20 at the Wayback Machine. sports-reference.com
  3. "Eight Bells: Sir Durward Knowles >> Scuttlebutt Sailing News". Scuttlebutt Sailing News. 25 February 2018. Retrieved 25 February 2018.
  4. Maailman vanhin elossa ollut olympiavoittaja Lydia Wideman-Lehtonen on kuollut