9. Helsinki Olympic Stadium

Next. Helsinki Olympic Stadium.

Here is the heart of sports in Helsinki and our great pride, which has recently been renovated and completely renewed. Our Olympic Stadium! Significant records were set and great disappointments were experienced here.

The Olympic Stadium was completed for the 1940 Olympics, which were cancelled due to world events. The Olympic Stadium also represents the pure functionalism of the 1930s, and it was designed by Irjo Lindegren and Toivo Jäntti.

This magnificent stadium could accommodate over 70,000 spectators during the games. Only part of the grandstand was covered and reserved for invited guests. As you might guess, on the opening day, the skies over Helsinki were cloudy and it rained heavily on the eager spectators.

In the latest renovation, the entire stadium's grandstand area was covered, but you can still see many of the original structures.

Did you know that Czech athlete Emil Zatopek, who ran his first ever marathon and won it, did it right here, at this stadium. He had never even trained for a marathon, but after dominating the 5,000 and 10,000 meter runs, he decided to try his luck in the marathon and it paid off.

Although Zatopek was dominant on the track, it's worth mentioning that England's Frank Sando could have easily won the 10,000 meters if he hadn't lost one of his running shoes on the first lap. Still, a strong performance to run 10 kilometers half barefoot and finish fifth.

A heartwarming story to mention is that Zatopek's wife, Dana Zatopkova, won the gold in javelin on the same day her husband won the 5,000 meters. Quite the golden couple.

Brynhild, tell us more about how such large buildings were constructed.