Lasse Virén is a retired Finnish long-distance runner, born on July 22, 1949. He is best known for his remarkable performances in the 5,000 meters and 10,000 meters events during the 1970s. Virén won four Olympic gold medals, achieving this feat at the 1972 Munich Olympics and the 1976 Montreal Olympics. His unique training methods and dedication to the sport made him a prominent figure in athletics. Virén's most famous moment came during the 1972 Olympics when he fell during the 10,000 meters race but managed to get back up and win the gold medal. His success has inspired many athletes, and he is often regarded as one of the greatest long-distance runners in history.