June 9, 1930 – The “Flying Finn,” Paavo Nurmi ran 6 miles at a world record pace of 29:36.4. Just to place that into perspective, the current official world records in the 10,000 meters are held by Kenenisa Bekele with 26:17.53 minutes for men and Almaz Ayana from Ethiopia with 29:17.45 minutes for women.
The Finnish runner, Paavo back in his day dominated distance running in the early 20th century. Nurmi had at one point set 22 official world records at distances between 1500 meters and 20 kilometers! The great athlete also took home nine gold and three silver medals in his twelve events in the Summer Olympic Games he competed.
At his athletic peak, Nurmi was undefeated for 121 races at distances from 800 meters and longer. Throughout his 14-year career, he remained unbeaten in cross country events and the 10,000 meters.
To find more great daily sports history make sure to check out the Sports Jersey Dispatch and Pigskin Dispatch.
More From Sports History Network
Sports History On This Day: September 14
September 14, 1913 – Chicago Cubs pitcher Larry Cheney had a day that made most,
Sports History On This Day: September 13
September 13, 1872 – At the British Open Men’s Golf tournament held at the Prestwick
Remembering the NFL Films Team Highlight Films of the 1970s
If you are in your 50s like me, you probably grew up watching the
Sports History On This Day: September 12
September 12, 1982 – At the US Open Men’s Tennis tournament there was a historic
Why Was “Shorty” Ray Considered an NFL Giant?
When we think of really big men who have had a positive impact on
Sports History On This Day: September 11
September 11, 1886 – We all know that the name of a ship named the
Sports History On This Day: September 10
September 10, 1918 – It was game 5 of the World Series between the Chicago
“Iron” Mike Sharpe: Embrace the Brace
On the morning of February 5, 2018 my wife slipped and fell on a