Career
He placed second in men"s high jump at the 1969 European Athletics Championships. In 1969 he only placed third at the Finnish championships and was not considered a potential medalist at the European Championships in Athens, but in the championship final he improved his Finnish record of 2.13 m twice, clearing first 2.14 m and then 2.17 m. Two other jumpers, Valentin Gavrilov of the Soviet Union and Erminio Azzaro of Italy, also cleared 2.17 m, and the medals were decided on countback with Vähälä winning a surprising silver.
He represented Finland again at the 1970 European Indoor Championships, where he placed 10th, and the 1971 European Championships, where he failed to qualify for the final.
