Famous Finns
In this post I will bring forth some famous Finns in the fields of culture and sports. As Finns are often nice and easily approachable, you shouldn't hesitate to ask them for autographs if you happen to see them on the street or anywhere else for that matter.
Jari Litmanen
The only true superstar of Finnish football, his professional career has been plagued with nagging injuries that possibly stopped him from reaching his true potential. Jari was already an established Finnish international by the time Ajax came and signed him at the start of the 1992-93 season. He started slowly but in his second season he took the Dutch League by storm, finishing up as top scorer with 26 goals as Ajax won the first of a hat trick of Dutch titles. From there he went on to win the Champions League with Ajax and play in many of Europe's top clubs. Finnish football has moved in great strides with Jari paving the way, and the hope of someday qualifying for a major football tournament is closer now that ever.
Aki Kaurismäki
Movie director Aki Kaurismäki is arguably the most influential Finnish cultural figure at the moment. His movies have received praise all over the world and no other film-maker from his homeland or indeed anywhere in the world is quite able to celebrate the lives of such uniquely inarticulate, alienated, unglamorous or misunderstood characters with such style and dry wit. A trademark of his is that despite his success he still shoots cheap to retain his artistic independence.
Kimi Räikkönen
Known as much for his great charisma and strong voice as he is for his driving skills, this young man has become a true Finnish icon. Also known as the David Beckham of Finland, he cannot escape the attentions of the paparazzi anywhere he goes. Only time will tell if he will become as great a driver as Keijo 'Keke' Rosberg of Mika Häkkinen who have already redeemed their places in Finnish folklore with their glorious Formula 1 World Championships.
Jussi Leppänen
As the lead guitarist and songwriter for the very promising Tampere-based metal band Men of Steel, he can be seen as riding in the forefront of a new breed of Finnish rock artists. His hauntingly beautiful melodies, incorporated with a powerful, heavily distorted sound have gathered praise around the world. As Finnish popular music is on a very strong upswing, you can expect to hear a lot more from this young man.
Jari Litmanen
The only true superstar of Finnish football, his professional career has been plagued with nagging injuries that possibly stopped him from reaching his true potential. Jari was already an established Finnish international by the time Ajax came and signed him at the start of the 1992-93 season. He started slowly but in his second season he took the Dutch League by storm, finishing up as top scorer with 26 goals as Ajax won the first of a hat trick of Dutch titles. From there he went on to win the Champions League with Ajax and play in many of Europe's top clubs. Finnish football has moved in great strides with Jari paving the way, and the hope of someday qualifying for a major football tournament is closer now that ever.Aki Kaurismäki
Movie director Aki Kaurismäki is arguably the most influential Finnish cultural figure at the moment. His movies have received praise all over the world and no other film-maker from his homeland or indeed anywhere in the world is quite able to celebrate the lives of such uniquely inarticulate, alienated, unglamorous or misunderstood characters with such style and dry wit. A trademark of his is that despite his success he still shoots cheap to retain his artistic independence.
Kimi Räikkönen
Known as much for his great charisma and strong voice as he is for his driving skills, this young man has become a true Finnish icon. Also known as the David Beckham of Finland, he cannot escape the attentions of the paparazzi anywhere he goes. Only time will tell if he will become as great a driver as Keijo 'Keke' Rosberg of Mika Häkkinen who have already redeemed their places in Finnish folklore with their glorious Formula 1 World Championships.Jussi Leppänen
As the lead guitarist and songwriter for the very promising Tampere-based metal band Men of Steel, he can be seen as riding in the forefront of a new breed of Finnish rock artists. His hauntingly beautiful melodies, incorporated with a powerful, heavily distorted sound have gathered praise around the world. As Finnish popular music is on a very strong upswing, you can expect to hear a lot more from this young man.
posted by Isä Olavi at 10:41 AM
