Arto Bryggare

Arto Kalervo Bryggare (born May 26, 1958 in Kouvola) is a former Finnish hurdling athlete. He is currently known as a member of the Parliament of Finland, representing the Social Democratic Party of Finland from 1995 to 1999 and 2003 to 2007. His personal best time 13,35, made during trials in 1984 Los Angeles Games, is still the record time in Finland and in Nordic countries. Bryggare made Finnish history by becoming the first Finn to medal in a sprint event.

Bryggare attended the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, which feature a distinguished track program. [http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/usc/genrel/auto_pdf/uscolympians.pdf USC OLYMPIANS: 1904-2008] , USC Trojans Athletic Department, Accessed August 13, 2008.] He started his international career as a 20 year old newcomer in the 1978 European Championships in Prague, barely winning bronze by just 2/100 seconds. This started a chain of victories still unique for a Finnish hurdler, for eight years Bryggare won a medal in every international race he participated. He ended his hurdling career in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, where he considered having been as a "tourist".

Best achievements

* 1978 European Championships in Athletics: Bronze (110 m hurdles)
* 1982 European Championships in Athletics: Bronze (110 m hurdles)
* 1983 World Championships in Athletics: Silver (110 m hurdles)
* 1984 Summer Olympics - Athletics: Bronze (110 m hurdles) - time: 13,40
* 1986 European Championships in Athletics: Silver (110 m hurdles)

References

External links

* [http://www.bryggare.net/ Official website]