Births on April 27

Seppo Räty, Finnish javelin thrower and coach

Seppo Henrik Räty, born on April 27, 1962, is a revered figure in Finnish athletics, a retired track and field athlete who specialized in the demanding discipline of the javelin throw. Hailing from Finland, a nation with a deep-seated passion and rich tradition in javelin, Räty carved out an illustrious career that spanned over a decade, cementing his place among the sport's legends.

A Career Defined by Gold and Glory

Räty’s competitive career was marked by extraordinary success on the world stage. His pinnacle achievement came in 1987 when he secured the gold medal at the World Championships, a testament to his prowess and dedication. Beyond his world title, Räty was a consistent force at the Olympic Games, demonstrating remarkable longevity and skill across multiple quadrennials. He proudly earned three Olympic medals: a silver in Barcelona in 1992, and two bronze medals, first in Seoul in 1988 and then again in Atlanta in 1996. This impressive haul of Olympic hardware underscored his enduring competitiveness at the very highest level of the sport.

The Bear and The Cannon of Tohmajärvi

Known for his powerful throws and formidable presence, Räty earned two memorable nicknames that resonated deeply within his home country: Tohmajärven karhu ("The Bear of Tohmajärvi") and Tohmajärven tykki ("The Cannon of Tohmajärvi"). These monikers reflect not only his raw strength and explosive throwing style, likened to a powerful artillery piece, but also his strong connection to his hometown of Tohmajärvi in Northern Karelia. The "Bear" implied a certain ruggedness and untamed power, while "Cannon" perfectly captured the velocity and distance he could achieve with his throws, making him a beloved figure in Finnish sports lore.

Record-Breaking Throws and the Javelin's Evolution

Throughout his career, Räty pushed the boundaries of the javelin throw. His personal best throw of 96.96 meters, achieved in 1991, was a truly monumental feat and, at the time, stood as a world record with the "new javelin" design, which had been introduced in 1986 to curb excessively flat landings and improve safety. However, this particular record-breaking throw was accomplished using a specific type of javelin known as the "Nemeth" javelin. The Nemeth design, with its altered center of gravity, was found to fly too far and too flat, leading the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), now World Athletics, to ban its use later that same year. Consequently, all records set with the Nemeth javelin after September 20, 1991, including Räty's impressive 96.96m mark, were retrospectively deleted from the official record books. While historically significant, it is not recognized as an official world record or personal best today. His best official throw with the currently approved javelin specifications stands at an outstanding 90.60 meters, which he achieved in 1992, a mark that still places him among the elite throwers to have surpassed the coveted 90-meter barrier.

The Infamous Trip: A Moment of Embarrassment Amidst Triumph

Interestingly, during his triumphant 1987 World Championships campaign, Räty became the subject of an often-replayed video clip, not for a spectacular throw, but for an unusual "failure." In a moment that could have been disastrous, he tripped on the runway during an attempt, causing his javelin to stick awkwardly in the ground just about 30 centimeters short of the foul line. While undeniably an embarrassing moment and a throw that offered no measurable distance, it was technically not counted as a foul. According to javelin rules, a foul occurs when the thrower crosses or touches the foul line *after* the javelin has been released and *before* it lands. Since Räty had not crossed the line, the attempt was simply deemed invalid rather than a penalty-incurring foul, a peculiar footnote in his otherwise flawless victory at the championships.

A Continuing Legacy: From Champion to Coach

Following his distinguished competitive career, Seppo Räty seamlessly transitioned into coaching, dedicating his vast experience and knowledge to nurturing the next generation of javelin talent. He currently mentors fellow javelin thrower Oona Sormunen, also from Northern Karelia, continuing the rich tradition of Finnish javelin excellence and sharing the wisdom gleaned from his years at the pinnacle of the sport.

Frequently Asked Questions About Seppo Räty

What is Seppo Räty's official personal best in javelin?

Seppo Räty's official personal best with the current javelin specifications is 90.60 meters, achieved in 1992.

Why was his 96.96m throw not recognized as a world record?

His throw of 96.96m in 1991 was set using a "Nemeth" javelin, which was later banned by the IAAF (now World Athletics) due to its aerodynamic properties that allowed for overly long and flat throws. Consequently, all records set with this specific javelin after September 20, 1991, were retrospectively deleted from official records.

How many Olympic medals did Seppo Räty win?

Seppo Räty won three Olympic medals: a silver medal in 1992 and two bronze medals in 1988 and 1996.

What are his famous nicknames?

He was affectionately known as "Tohmajärven karhu" ("The Bear of Tohmajärvi") and "Tohmajärven tykki" ("The Cannon of Tohmajärvi"), reflecting his powerful throwing style and his roots in Tohmajärvi, Finland.

Is Seppo Räty still involved in javelin?

Yes, after retiring from competition, Seppo Räty became a javelin coach and currently mentors other athletes, including Oona Sormunen from Northern Karelia.