Sulo Bärlund (born 15 April 1910 in Kangasala, Finland – died 13 April 1986 in Kangasala, Finland) was a Finnish shot putter who competed during the 1930s. He is best known for winning the silver medal in the men's shot put event at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin.
Early Life and Career Bärlund emerged as a prominent athlete in the early 1930s, specializing in the shot put. He quickly became one of Finland's leading competitors in the event, known for his powerful throwing technique.
Olympic Success The pinnacle of Bärlund's international career came at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. In the men's shot put competition, he achieved a throw of 16.12 meters (52 ft 10.6 in), securing the silver medal. He was narrowly beaten by Germany's Hans Woellke, who won gold with a throw of 16.20 meters.
National Achievements Domestically, Bärlund was a dominant force in Finnish athletics. He won multiple national championships in the shot put, securing titles in 1935, 1936, 1937, and 1939. His personal best throw was 16.03 meters, achieved in 1936, though he surpassed this distance during his silver-medal-winning performance at the Berlin Olympics.
Later Life After his competitive athletic career, Sulo Bärlund remained in Finland. He passed away in his hometown of Kangasala, just two days before his 76th birthday.