Lasse Virén
Secret to Winning
Lasse Virén
Lasse Virén is a Finnish former long-distance runner. In 1976, he wore Onitsuka (currently ASICS) spikes to win gold medals in the 5,000 and 10,000-meter track and field events in Montreal. When he won the 10,000-meter, Lasse raised his spiked shoes in a gesture of thanks to the company's staff for fulfilling his urgent and challenging request to improve the heel of the shoes. Lasse's great success was instrumental in bringing the world's attention to Onitsuka (currently ASICS) shoes.