Kristjan Palusalu

Kristjan Palusalu (until 1935 Kristjan Trossmann, March 10, 1908 - July 17, 1987) was an Estonian heavyweight wrestler and Olympic medalist.

Born in Läänemaa, Estonia, Palusalu is best remembered for winning two gold medals at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin. He was given the honor of carrying the Estonian flag to the Olympiastadion (Olympic Stadium). After the Soviet Union occupied Estonia in 1940 and war broke out, Palusalu was sent to hard labour in 1941 to Kotlas in Russia. He tried to escape with other prisoners but was captured after a few days. He was then sentenced to death together with his fellow fugitives but was given the chance to go to the front line to fight against Finland in the Continuation war.

He deserted during the Second Soviet-Finnish war to the Finnish side in Northern Karelia, northwest of Lake Onega. According to one Finnish soldier, Mr. Suuperko, Palusalu and his friends shouted "Finnish boys do not shoot Estonians", when they crossed the lines. Palusalu was soon recognized by a person in the Finnish army, who had sports background. [Helsingin Sanomat newspaper 13th May 2007]

He was imprisoned but then was allowed to return to his homeland, which was then under German occupation. After the return of the Soviet army in 1945 he was arrested again, but according to Estonian sources was later allowed to work as trainer. He was not forgotten by the Estonian people. Perhaps because his life reflected the fate of the whole nation, Kristjan Palusalu has remained one of the most popular sportsmen in Estonia throughout history.

The Bronze Soldier of Tallinn monument, which stood in the center of Tallinn until April 27, 2007, when it was removed to a military cemetery in the city, is supposed by many Estonians to have been modeled on Palusalu, as there is a striking resemblance. Possibly because Palusalu was in disgrace with the Soviet authorities, the sculptor Enn Roos denied this and said he used 'a young worker who lived nearby'. [ [http://www.epl.ee/?artikkel=274240 Kes on see mees, kes seisab Tõnismäel? - Eesti Päevaleht Online ] ] [ [http://www.dn.se/DNet/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=148&a=645570 Brottaren bakom bronssoldaten ] ]

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