Career
In 1924 he also served as the Olympic flag bearer for Finland. In those two-handed throwing events the total was counted as a sum of best throws with a right hand and with a left hand. He finished fourth in the conventional discus throw and shot put.
After having his career hampered by the First World War, he made a strong return at the 1920 Summer Olympics by winning gold in the discus throw and silver in the shot put.
Niklander, nicknamed "Oitin kanuuna" ("Cannon from Oitti"), became an Olympic athlete through practice in his home yard and by taking part in athletic competitions arranged by the local fire department.