Leo Linkovesi

Leo Ensio Linkovesi ( born April 8, 1947 in Helsinki, † November 7, 2006 in Kerava ) was a Finnish speed skater who was specialized in short distances.

Linkovesi had his international breakthrough in 1972 after he made his debut at the World Single Distance Championships in West Allis in 1970. On 8 January 1972, he broke in Davos not only Erhard Keller's world record in the 500 - meter track (by 0.3 seconds to 38.0 seconds) but presented with 156.500 points, a new world record. Then he stood as one of the victories aspirants at the Olympic Winter Games Sapporo in 1972, but finished the basement victory only disappointing for him sixth place. In the first world championships in sprint -around he was on 27 February 1972 in Eskilstuna first world champion of the discipline. 1973 in Gothenburg, he won the silver medal in the pros behind Hasse Börjes, but before his eternal rival cellar. When Sprint 's European professionals in 1974 in Savalen he finished third behind Börjes and Ivar Eriksen.

Linkovesi was until his death the last Finnish speed skater who won an international title or a world record. In 1973 he was in the professional speedskating league professional, but after they went bankrupt a year later, he moved back again. Until 1980 he remained active at the national level.