Sirkka Tellervo "Telle" Polkunen (later Vilander, 6 November 1927 – 28 September 2014),[1] was a Finnish cross-country skier who competed at the 1952 and 1956 Olympics. She won a gold medal in the 3 × 5 km relay in 1956 and placed fifth and eighth in the individual 10 km event in 1952 and 1956, respectively. Polkunen also won a silver medal in the 3 × 5 km relay at the 1954 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships and finished sixth in the 10 km at those championships.[2]
![]() Polkunen at the 1952 Olympics | ||||||||||||||||||||
Personal information | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Born | 6 November 1927 Jyväskylä, Finland | |||||||||||||||||||
Died | 28 September 2014 (aged 86) Laukaa, Finland | |||||||||||||||||||
Height | 163 cm (5 ft 4 in) | |||||||||||||||||||
Weight | 59 kg (130 lb) | |||||||||||||||||||
Sport | ||||||||||||||||||||
Sport | Cross-country skiing | |||||||||||||||||||
Club | Vihtavuoren Pamaus | |||||||||||||||||||
Medal record
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Polkunen never won a national title, placing second-third over 10 km in 1951, 1953–54 and 1956. She worked as a loader and packer at the Vihtavuori gunpowder factory,[2] and retired from competitions in 1957.[1]
All results are sourced from the International Ski Federation (FIS).[3]
Year | Age | 10 km | 3 × 5 km relay |
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1952 | 24 | 5 | — |
1956 | 28 | 8 | Gold |
Year | Age | 10 km | 3 × 5 km relay |
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1954 | 26 | 6 | Silver |
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