Taisto Ilmari Kangasniemi (2 April 1924 – 31 October 1997) was a Finnish heavyweight wrestler. He competed in Greco-Roman and freestyle events at the 1948, 1952, 1952 and 1964 Summer Olympics, and won a freestyle bronze medal in 1956; he placed sixth in the freestyle in 1952 and fourth-sixth in Greco-Roman contests in 1952 and 1956. His best result at the world championships was fourth place in 1953 in Greco-Roman wrestling. Domestically he won eight Greco-Roman (1950–51, 1953, 1955, and 1962–63) and two freestyle titles (1953–54).[1][2]

Taisto Kangasniemi
Kangasniemi (top) at the 1952 Olympics
Personal information
Born2 April 1924
Kankaanpää, Finland
Died31 October 1997 (aged 73)
Kangasala, Finland
Height186 cm (6 ft 1 in)
Weight100–110 kg (220–243 lb)
Sport
SportWrestling
ClubKankaanpään Meno
Tampereen Painiseura
TUL
Medal record
Men's freestyle wrestling
Representing  Finland
Olympic Games
Bronze medal – third place 1956 Melbourne +87 kg

After retiring from competitions Kangasniemi worked as a sports instructor and functionary. He was president and then honorary president of Tampereen Painiseura, a wrestling club he co-founded.[1][2]

References

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  1. ^ a b Taisto Kangasniem. sports-reference
  2. ^ a b Kangasniemi Taisto Ilmari. tulpaini.fi