LW
The basics
Quick facts
Intro
Cross-country skier
Gender:
Female
Places:
Work field:
Birth:
17 May 1920(Vilppula, Mänttä-Vilppula, Pirkanmaa, Western and Central Finland Regional State Administrative Agency)
Star sign:
The details
Biography
Lydia Wideman (later Wideman-Lehtonen, born 17 May 1920) is a retired cross-country skier from Finland and the first female Olympic medalist in cross-country skiing. 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.
Wideman and her twin sister Tyyne were born in a family of ten siblings. Many members of her family were skilled cross-country skiers. In particular, Tyyne won the national 10 km title in 1949–1951, beating Lidya in 1951, but retiring the same year.