What is pekka vasala?

Pekka Vasala (born on 17th April 1948) is a former Finnish middle-distance runner, who represented Finland in the 1968, 1972, and 1976 Summer Olympics. He won the gold medal in the 1,500 meters at the 1972 Munich Olympics, setting a new Olympic record of 3:36.33, and becoming the first Finnish athlete to win an Olympic gold medal in middle-distance running. He won several medals in other international competitions, including silver in the 1,500 meters at the 1971 European Championships and gold in the 1,500 meters at the 1974 European Championships. Vasala retired from competitive running after the 1976 Olympics due to injuries and went on to work as a coach and sports administrator. He was inducted into the Finnish Sports Hall of Fame in 1988.