Gunnar Larsson (swimmer) facts for kids
Gunnar Larsson in April 1970
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nationality | Swedish | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | 12 May 1951 Malmö, Sweden |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 86 kg (190 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sport | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sport | Swimming | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Strokes | Medley | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Club | SK Ran, Malmö SS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Medal record
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Karl Gunnar Larsson (born on May 12, 1951) is a famous former swimmer from Sweden. He is best known for his amazing wins at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich. Gunnar won two gold medals there, showing he was one of the best swimmers in the world.
One of his gold medals was in the 400 metre individual medley event. He won by an incredibly tiny amount: just two one-thousandths (0.002) of a second! This close finish caused a lot of discussion. Because of this race, the rules for swimming times were changed. Now, times are measured only in hundredths of a second, not thousandths.
Gunnar also won the 200 metre individual medley at the same Olympics. In this race, he set a brand new world record! His performance at these games was truly outstanding.
Early Success and World Championships
Before the Olympics, Gunnar Larsson was already making a name for himself. In 1970, he competed at the European Championships. There, he won three gold medals and one silver medal. For his great swimming that year, he received the Svenska Dagbladet Gold Medal. This is a very important award in Sweden.
A few years later, in 1973, Gunnar won another big title. He took home the gold medal in the 200 metre individual medley at the first ever official FINA World Championships. This event took place in Belgrade.
Records and Recognition
During his swimming career, Gunnar Larsson set many records. He achieved three world records and eight European records. These achievements show just how talented and fast he was in the water.
Many people consider Gunnar Larsson to be one of Sweden's greatest swimmers of all time. He is often mentioned alongside another Swedish swimming legend, Arne Borg. In 1979, Gunnar was honored for his achievements. He was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame, which is a very special recognition for swimmers.
Life After Swimming
Gunnar Larsson stopped competing in swimming in 1973. After retiring, he worked as a swimming coach until 1980. He helped other swimmers improve their skills.
Later, he took on different jobs. He worked for McDonald's and also for the Swedish Swimming Federation from 2000 to 2005. For one year in 2003, he even tried acting! From 1974 to 2004, he also worked part-time as a swimming commentator for radio stations.
Gunnar's family also has a history with swimming. His older sisters, Karin and Kristina, were also Olympic swimmers. In 1979, Gunnar married Marianne Larsson. They have three children named Lotten (born 1978), Emelie (born 1980), and Amanda (born 1989).
See also
- List of members of the International Swimming Hall of Fame
- List of Olympic medalists in swimming (men)
- World record progression 400 metres freestyle
