Elmer Niklander

Elmer Konstantin Niklander (January 19, 1890 – November 12 1942) was a Finnish athlete who competed in discus throw and shot put. He took home silver in discus throw and bronze in shot put at the 1912 Summer Olympics. After having his career hampered by the First World War, he made a strong return at the 1920 Summer Olympics by winning the gold medal in discus throw and improving his shot put medal to a silver one.cite web | title="Oitin kanuuna" | work=YLE | url=http://www.yle.fi/elavaarkisto/?s=s&g=3&ag=18&t=209&a=490 | accessdate=2006-12-28 | language=Finnish]

Niklander, nicknamed "Oitin kanuuna" ("Cannon from Oitti"), became an Olympic athlete through practice in his home yard and by taking part in athletic competitions arranged by the local fire department.

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