Erik BACKMAN

Eric Backman won one silver and three bronze medals at the 1920 Olympics in long-distance and cross-country running. Although he was a world class runner, he was a heavy smoker and enjoyed drinking alcohol. Backman was an eight-time Swedish champion in the 5 and 10K in the years 1918-23, setting Swedish records over 5,000 m, 10,000 m, 5 miles and in the one-hour run. In 1919 Backman won the English AAA Championship over four miles. He was appointed “Stor grabb” #38 in athletics. After 1943 Backman worked in the Volvo factory in Skövde.

Personal Bests: 3000 – unknown; 5000 – 14:51.0 (1919); 10000 – 31:02.2 (1921).