Tapani Ilkka, Finnish sports personality, died at the age of 80 years old on 20 November 2021. Born on 8 July 1941 in Jämsänkoski (FIN), he carried his passion for sports during his whole career acting as FISU Technical Chair Athletics, President of Finnish Olympic Committee, President of the Finnish Athletics Federation, and Chairman of the Organising Committee for the Athletics European Championship. Tapani Ilkka’s dedication for the Sports Movement was rewarded by the highest honours of Finland and Lifetime Achievement award by the Finnish Sports Gala in 2021.
Tapani Ilkka was a National level athlete and served as teacher and champion coach after one of his athletes, Riitta Salin, won the European Championships in Rome 1974 for the women 400m in 50.14.
Since 1993, he was a member of FISU Technical Commission as delegate for athletics and served during 14 Summer Universiades.
Tapani Ilkka has lived an energetic and joyful life and was truly a sports leader surrounding himself with fantastic teams. Our thoughts go out to the people he left behind; his wife Maritsa, two daughters, a son and several grandchildren.
