Paavo Nurmi statue, Bronze statue at Olympic Stadium in Helsinki, Finland.
The Paavo Nurmi statue is a bronze sculpture at Olympic Stadium in Helsinki that captures the Finnish runner in motion. The work freezes the body mid-stride with weight concentrated on the toes of the right foot.
Finnish sculptor Wäinö Aaltonen created the original in 1925 as the first major public art commission of independent Finland. This work marked a turning point in Finnish artistic expression following the nation's independence.
The nude form links this work to ancient Greek athletic traditions while honoring Finland's most decorated Olympic competitor with nine gold medals.
This piece stands outdoors at the stadium and is visible from throughout the complex. Visitors can view and photograph it freely at any time without restrictions.
The original was kept indoors at the Ateneum Museum for decades because the public in 1920s Finland objected to its nudity. It finally moved outside in 1952 just in time to greet the Helsinki Olympics.
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