Feb 12 • 10:18 UTC 🇪🇪 Estonia ERR

The Collections of the Sports Museum: Olympic Champion Ants Antson's Proud Outfit

The Estonian Sports and Olympic Museum showcases notable items related to Estonia's Olympic winter sports history, including the outfit of Olympic champion Ants Antson.

In celebration of the upcoming Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympics, the Estonian Sports and Olympic Museum explored its collection to highlight significant pieces from Estonia's Olympic history in winter sports during the 20th century. Curator Kaarel Antons selected ten items that collectively narrate Estonia's achievements in winter sports at the Olympics, emphasizing the notable contributions of Estonian athletes. From February 9 to 20, the museum will also present a variety of these items through Olympic segments aired on Vikerraadio.

One of the earliest items associated with winter Olympics in the museum's collection is the attire connected to Estonia's first Olympic gold medal, won by Ants Antson in speed skating. This remarkable achievement occurred at the 1964 Winter Olympics held in Innsbruck, Austria, where Antson was the only Estonian participant on the Soviet Union team and triumphed in the men's 1500-meter speed skating event. While Antson's actual competition uniform from that time has not survived, his legendary parade outfit is preserved, along with the skates he used during his victorious race.

Many people still vividly recall Antson's win and the medal ceremony, marking a significant moment in Estonian sports history. The museum's display not only honors Antson's legacy but also serves as a celebration of the broader achievements of Estonian athletes on the Olympic stage. By showcasing these artifacts, the museum continues to foster national pride and encourage interest in winter sports, particularly in light of the upcoming Olympic games in Italy.

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