It is with deep sadness that EWF inform you of the passing of Taisto Elis Kullervo “Tate” Kuoppala, a widely respected figure within the international weightlifting community. Taisto passed away peacefully at his home in Kitee, Finland, on 6 November 2025, surrounded by his wife and son.
Shortly after serving as an International Technical Official at the European Championships in Sofia, Taisto was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He faced the illness with remarkable dignity, strength, and calmness—qualities that reflected the way he lived and served throughout his life.
Taisto Kuoppala
Born 25 September 1949 in Tampere, Finland
Club: Tampereen Pyrintö (since 1966)
Education: Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, specializing in Exercise Physiology, University of Jyväskylä
Service to the Finnish Weightlifting Federation
- Chief of Coaching and Education (1975–1988)
- Vice President (2005–2012, 2014–2016)
- Chairman of Technical Committee (2004–2012, 2014–2016)
- Anti-Doping Responsible Officer (2011–)
- Member of several committees since 1975
- Responsible for International Affairs (2010–)
- Member of the organizing committee of the 1st International Conference on Weightlifting and Strength Training, Lahti 1998
- Taisto Kuoppala was awarded 2021 the honorary title of Liikuntaneuvos (Sports Counsellor) by the President of Finland, recognizing his lifelong dedication to sport and public service.
International Roles
- Vice President, Nordic Weightlifting Federation (2004–2007; 2011–2012)
- Baltic Cup Coordinator (2009–2014)
- Member, EWF Technical & Scientific Committee (2008–2016)
- Member, IWF Coaching & Research Committee (2005–2013)
- Member, IWF Anti-Doping Hearing Panel (2010–)
- IWF Certified Lecturer (from 2015)
- Instructor for IOC Olympic Solidarity & IWF Technical Courses across Europe, Africa, Asia, Pacific & South America
Achievements in Coaching and Refereeing
- Coach of Pekka Niemi, Bronze Medalist at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games (100 kg)
- International Referee Category II (1981) and Category I (1984), Card No. 1269
- Referee at 3 Olympic Games and 2 Youth Olympic Games
- Participated in 34 World Championships and 21 European Championships
Publications
- 28 publications in weightlifting and strength training
- Translated the IWF Handbook into Finnish across 11 editions since 1976
Taisto will be remembered for his deep knowledge, integrity, gentle leadership, and lifelong dedication to clean sport and the weightlifting family worldwide.
EWF extends heartfelt condolences on the passing of Taisto. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues, and all those who had the privilege of working alongside him.
