1940 XII Olympic Games Helsinki Olympiakisat Helsingissä

This is an exceptional and uncommon authentic original vintage poster advertising the cancelled XVth Olympic Games in Helsinki, Finland in 1940. Unfortunately, due to the outbreak of World War II, the games were never held.

Initially, the 1940 Summer Olympics were planned to take place in Tokyo, Japan, from September 21 to October 6, 1940. They were subsequently rescheduled to Helsinki, Finland, to be held from July 20 to August 4, 1940, but were ultimately cancelled.

The poster features the renowned Finnish long-distance and middle-distance runner, Paavo Nurmi, also known as the "Flying Finn," standing in front of a globe with the map of Finland. Nurmi is recognized for setting 22 official world records at distances ranging from 1500 meters to 20 kilometers, and winning nine gold and three silver medals in his twelve Olympic events.

The text on the poster, "Olympiakisat Helsingissä," is in the original Finnish language.

This vintage poster is a very rare find and is in good condition, despite some wear and tear and small tears. It has been professionally mounted on linen for preservation purposes.