Obituary: A lifetime of conveying sporting experiences

Sports journalist Seppo Kannas, a prominent voice in Finnish sports broadcasting, passed away on April 4, 2026, in Helsinki at the age of 92. Born in Lapua in 1933, Kannas was the eldest of six children. After graduating from high school, he pursued a degree in physical education from the University of Helsinki, playfully calling himself a "somersault master."

Kannas's career took a significant turn in 1961 when he attended Yleisradio's first training course for sports journalists. This opened the door to television sports, and he eventually became the head of Yle TV1's sports department in 1976. Over his more than 40-year career, Kannas commentated at 24 Olympic Games, bringing memorable sporting moments to the Finnish public from arenas across nearly a hundred countries.

He was honored with the "Blue-White Voices of Sports" award at the Sports Gala in 2014, an accolade he shared with other legendary commentators of his era. Despite his public profile, Kannas valued his privacy and cherished his family above all else. He shared a happy 60-year marriage with his wife, Hillevi, a pharmacist. After her passing, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought him immense joy. In his retirement, Kannas enjoyed woodworking at his summer cottage and took pleasure in road trips across Central Europe. He is remembered for his good humor, gratitude for life experiences, and calm acceptance of his illnesses.