A Swedish middle- and long-distance runner who won several Olympic and European Championship medals in the 1940s and 1950s, earning the nickname "The Wonder Runner."
Eric Backman is best known for his remarkable performance at the 1920 Summer Olympics, where he clinched the silver medal in the 8,000m cross-country event, just 2.6 seconds behind the legendary Paavo Nurmi. This achievement not only earned him individual recognition but also contributed to Sweden's bronze medal in the team cross-country event.
Born on May 18, 1896, in Sweden, Eric Backman began his running career in the early 1910s. Despite his passion for athletics, he was also known to enjoy a good smoke and a drink, painting a picture of a complex personality. His prowess on the track earned him eight Swedish championships in the 5,000m and 10,000m events between 1918 and 1923.
The 1920 Summer Olympics in Antwerp, Belgium, was the pinnacle of Backman's career. He finished second in the 8,000m cross-country event, with Nurmi taking the gold. This silver medal, combined with his teammates' performances, secured Sweden's bronze medal in the team cross-country event. Backman's impressive display continued in the 3,000m event, where he finished second again, and in the 5,000m event, where he clinched the bronze medal.
After his Olympic success, Backman continued to dominate the Swedish running scene, holding national records in the 5,000m, 10,000m, 5 miles, and one-hour run. His athletic career eventually gave way to a more laid-back life, and he began working at the Volvo factory in Skövde, Sweden, in 1943.
Eric Backman's remarkable achievements on the track may have been overshadowed by the dominance of Paavo Nurmi, but they remain an integral part of Sweden's rich athletic heritage. His life, marked by both triumph and indulgence, serves as a testament to the complexities of human nature. Today, he is remembered as one of the most talented and intriguing athletes of the 1920s.
Born in 1915
A Swedish athlete who won the 1912 Olympic gold medal in the 4x100m relay and set multiple national records in sprint events. He was a pioneering figure in Swedish track and field.
