Famous Finns
Elias Lönnrot (1802–1884) creator of Kalevala, professor of language, medical doctor
Lönnrot created the national epic, the Kalevala, and edited dictionaries and periodicals. An expert in many fields, he became a strengthener of national self-esteem; his authority united national culture across the boundaries of language and politics. In Mustiala's agricultural museum you can see a medical sertificate that he have issued to one of Mustiala's students.
Johan Ludvig Runeberg (1804–1877) writer
The poet J. L. Runeberg created an ideal of Finland's people and Nature, and he gave the country a moral identity, a justification for its existence, with his lyrics, epics and Fänrik Ståls sägner ('Tales of Ensign Stål'). Even during his lifetime, but especially after his death, he became a very important cult figure as a creator of a feeling of nationhood and the writer of the poem Vårt land (Finnish: Maamme; Our Country), which became the national anthem of Finland.
Runeberg (only in Finnish and Swedish)
Gustaf Mannerheim (1867–1951) President of Finland, Marshal of Finland
Gustaf Mannerheim was a general in the Russian Imperial Army, an explorer and then - during and after Finland's struggle for independence - Commander-in-Chief in three wars and twice Head of State. During his own lifetime he became the best-known Finnish personage at home and abroad.
Foundation of the Marshal of Finland, The Finnish Club of Helsinki: Mannerheim
Jean Sibelius (1865–1957) composer
Jean Sibelius, the most famous Finnish composer, is one of the most important writers of symphonies and tone poems of the 20th century and in musical history as a whole. Sibelius was especially important as a national composer who captured Finnish legends, history and landscape in his music. Despite his respected position, Sibelius suffered from financial problems during his career.
Finnish Club of Helsinki: Jean Sibelius
Tove Jansson (1914–2001) writer, illustrator, painter
Tove Jansson has achieved worldwide fame with her Moomin books, which have been translated into more than thirty languages. Moomintroll and his family and friends have also roved the world in comic strips and TV cartoons. The versatile Jansson has held numerous art exhibitions and has written books for adults as well. (The National Biography of Finland, 2001)
Paavo Nurmi, (1897-1973) athlete, multiple Olympic gold metalist, world record holder
Paavo Nurmi was a Finnish track and field athlete. He is most known for being one of the ‘Flying Finns’ – a title given to Finnish athletes, most prominently running. He was considered to be the best middle and long distance runners of the 1920s and would succeed in setting world records, with some lasting for more than a decade. He competed in the Olympics beginning in 1920 until 1928. He was banned from competing in the 1932 Olympics when reports circulated he had received ‘too much’ money for his running.
His Olympic career was one of the most prolific in history. In total, he has won 9 gold medals and is second only to Michael Phelp’s record of 14. Nurmi won a majority (5) of his Olympic gold medals in the 1924 Paris Olympics. In the 1920 Games held in Antwerp, he won three gold medals for 10000m, 8000m cross country individual and 8000m cross country team. In 1928, he won a gold medal in the 10000m race. Aside from his gold medals, he also won three silver medals. All in all, he has 12 Olympic medals.
His country prevented him from participating in the 1924 10000m race as they were afraid for his health. Furious, Nurmi returned to Finland and set 10000m record that would last undisputed for over a decade.
Nurmi was considered a national hero and as a result, he was the one who lighted the Olympic flame for the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki. He died in 1973 and was honored by the Finnish government with a state funeral. (http://www.sportspundit.com/track-and-field/athletes/5948-paavo-nurmi, 6.10.2011)