Lars LARSSON

Lars Larsson started out as a distance runner on the flat, but converted to running the steeplechase in 1936, winning the Swedish national title that year. He was also second that year in the Swedish national in the 5,000 and placed second in a dual meet against Norway. He would win the Swedish steeplechase title again in 1937-40, bettering the Swedish national record three times, with 9:16.6 in 1936, 9:10.8 in 1938, and 9:09.0 in 1939. In 1937 and 1938 he was undefeated, winning matches against the top Germans and Finns. His greatest title came in winning the 1938 European Championship in the steeple. His final major win came in a triangular against Finland and Germany in 1940. A leg injury in 1941 effectively ended his career and he returned to his day job as an office clerk.

Personal Best: 3000S – 9:07.0 (1940).