Obituary: High jumper and entrepreneur Pertti Lantti

Pertti Lantti, a notable figure in Finnish sports and business, died on May 10, 2026, at the age of 81. Born in Lahti in 1945, Lantti initially excelled as a high jumper.

Representing Lahden Urheilijat, Lantti secured third place at the Finnish Championships in 1963. By 18, he had earned a spot in the men's national team, competing against West Germany. The summer of 1965 marked a peak in his athletic career; he won the Finnish Championships with a jump of 2.10 meters and achieved victories in international matches against East Germany and Italy. He also placed second in the Nordic championships.

Lantti's athletic achievements included nine senior international appearances between 1963 and 1968, alongside four junior matches. His personal best of 2.11 meters was set in Stockholm in July 1968. During this period, he met his wife, Turid-Wenche Lotten, in Oslo in 1965, and they married a year later. Lantti earned a degree in physical education from the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences in 1967.

Transitioning from sports, Lantti pursued a career in business. After returning to Finland, he worked at Julius Tallberg Oy and completed a business diploma in 1975. He specialized in information technology, holding expert and management roles in several IT firms. In 1993, he founded his own company, Etäyhteys Pace Oy, which he led until his death. He also provided consulting services, notably for the insurance company Pohjola.

Beyond his professional life, Lantti was deeply involved with the Santahamina Sports Company veterans' association, serving as its secretary from its founding in 1996. He was also dedicated to genealogy, researching his family history. His son Christian recalls his father's love for reading, cooking, and collecting records and films. The family also shared a passion for cat shows, an activity fitting for Pertti, known for his cat-like jumping technique.

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Pertti was matter-of-factly relaxed as a sergeant trainer for his intake group, and his saying from room inspections remains in memory: 'Now recruits, a little dexterity.'