Gunnar LARSSON

Gunnar Larsson's acquired the nickname “Hulån” from his home town to distinguish himself from others with the same name. His first major success was in 1964 when he won the 10 km for Swedish Juniors, and he began competing with the national team that year. In 1967 he won the North American Championships. His greatest achievement was a bronze medal in the 15 km and a silver in the relay at the 1968 Olympic Winter Games in Grenoble. In the relay on the third leg he brought Sweden the decisive advantage over Finland and the Soviet Union as the team’s fastest runner. At the Sapporo Olympic Games, four years later, he competed again in all cross-country events but without winning a medal, narrowly missing the bronze medal in the 30 km and in the relay, placing fourth in both events. In his eight Olympic starts he made the top 10 in seven of them. Larsson competed also at the 1970 World Championships, placing 24th in the 15 km. Domestically, he was Swedish Champion in the 15 km in 1971 and the 30 km in 1969. Larsson also won traditional events like the Åsarna Games in 1969. He is the father of cross-country skier and 2006 Olympic bronze medalist Mats Larsson.