In 1938 Abraham Tokazier representing the Makkabi sports club ran in the 100m final in Finland’s national competition at the Helsinki Olympic stadium.
He was declared fourth by the officials, even though he was clearly seen crossing the line first in a photograph published the next day in a newspaper. International rules sadly do not allow for results to be adjusted after the event. However for years Jewish groups have campaigned for the result to be changed and Tokazier’s win acknowledged. Finally, after a wait of 75 years that has happened.
The Finnish Athletics Federation have apologised and have declared that any manipulation or falsification of results ‘is shocking and against the basic principles of sport.”
FAF Chairman Vesa Harmaakorpi said “I present our humblest apologies over this issue to all of those and their nearest ones who have suffered wrongdoing.”
It is not clear whether Abraham Tokazier is still alive to collect his long awaited medal; we fear that may not be the case.
The question is has there ever been a referral in sport that has taken so long to declare the correct man the winner?
