Career
Loukola set an unofficial world record in the steeplechase just a month before the Olympics. In the final the main favourites were the Finns Paavo Nurmi, Ville Ritola and Loukola, but Nurmi and Ritola were worn by their injuries and the gruelling 5000 m race of the previous day. Although Ritola gave up soon, the Finns were still going to the first three places.
After 2000 m, when Nurmi had trouble at hurdles, Loukola made an attack and developed a 30 m gap, which he would hold until the finish.
He was a policeman by profession.