Lydia Wideman

Finnish cross-country skier

Lydia Wideman (later Wideman-Lehtonen; 17 May 1920 – 13 April 2019) was a Finnish Olympic cross-country skier gold medalist. She was born in Vilppula, Finland. She was the first female Olympic medalist in cross-country skiing.[1] In 1952 she competed in thirteen 10 km races and won all of them, including the 1952 Winter Olympics, national championships and Lahti Ski Games.[2]

Wideman in 1952

In February 2018, following the death of Durward Knowles, she became the oldest living Olympic champion.[3] Wideman died on 13 April 2019, aged 98.[4]

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