Kirvesniemi, Marja-Liisa (1955–)

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Kirvesniemi, Marja-Liisa (1955–)

Finnish cross-country skier. Name variations: Marja-Liisa Hamalainen, Haemaelaeinan, Haemaelainen, Hamalajnen, or Hämäläinen. Born Marja-Liisa Hämäläinen, Sept 10, 1955, in Simpele, Finland; dau. of Kalevi Hämäläinen (an Olympic gold medalist); m. Harri Kirvesniemi (champion skier).

Competed in 6 Winter Olympics (1976–94); won gold medals for 20 km, 5 km, and 10 km and a bronze for 4 × 5 km relay at Sarajevo Olympics (1984); won a bronze medal for 4 × 5 km relay at Calgary Olympics (1988); won bronze medals for the 30 km and 5 km at Lillehammer Olympics (1994).