Ski jumping's "Flying Finn" Nykanen dies at 55

Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-05 21:17:02|Editor: Yamei
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HELSINKI, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Legendary Finnish ski jumper Matti Nykanen has died at the age of 55, the International Ski Federation (FIS) said.

The cause of death has not yet been revealed.

One of the sport's most famous names, Nykanen won four Winter Olympic titles, including a clean sweep of the normal hill, large hill and team golds at Calgary 1988.

He had previously won the large hill gold at Sarajevo 1984, where he also clinched silver in the normal hill.

Nicknamed the Flying Finn, Nykanen's career also included five World Championship gold medals, four overall World Cup titles and one Ski Flying World Championship title.

"Matti Nykanen was one of the most successful ski jumpers in history with four Olympic gold medals, whose great performances I remember very well," International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach said in a statement.

"He is a legend of his sport. Our thoughts are with his family and his friends."

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