Maire Rautakoski

Maire Rautakoski, born Strömberg in Helsinki on 6 February 1927, was a Finnish ten-pin bowler who won many major titles in the 1960s and later died in April 2026. At the first European Championships open to women, held in Besançon in 1962, she was the most successful bowler, winning gold in the individual event, in doubles with Eija Krogerus and in both team events. She won bronze in both team events at the 1963 world championships, gold again in doubles and team at the 1965 European Championships, and two team golds at the 1967 world championships in Malmo. Representing Kolaus of Kuopio she won the Finnish individual title in 1962 and 1965, was named Finnish sportswoman of the year in 1962 and in 1972 became the first woman on the board of the Finnish Bowling Federation. She also swam relay and played handball for Finland.