Gunnar Larsson (swimmer) facts for kids
Gunnar Larsson in April 1970
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| Personal information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Nationality | Swedish | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | 12 May 1951 Malmö, Sweden |
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| Height | 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 86 kg (190 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Sport | Swimming | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Strokes | Medley | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Club | SK Ran, Malmö SS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Medal record
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Karl Gunnar Larsson is a famous swimmer from Sweden. He was born on May 12, 1951. Gunnar is best known for his amazing wins at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich. He also set many world and European records during his career. Many people consider him one of Sweden's greatest swimmers ever.
Contents
Olympic Gold Medals
Gunnar Larsson won two gold medals at the 1972 Summer Olympics. These were for the 200 metre and 400 metre individual medley events.
The 400 Metre Medley Race
In the 400 metre individual medley, Gunnar had a very close race. He won by just two one-thousandths (0.002) of a second! He beat American Tim McKee in this exciting finish. This race also set a new Olympic record.
The incredibly close finish caused a big discussion. People wondered if the timing was accurate enough. Because of this, swimming rules were changed. Today, swimming times are measured only in hundredths of a second.
The 200 Metre Medley Race
Gunnar also won the 200 metre individual medley at the same Olympics. In this race, he set a new world record. Winning two gold medals at one Olympics is a huge achievement!
European and World Championships
Gunnar Larsson had a very successful career beyond the Olympics. He won many medals at other major swimming events.
Success at European Championships
Two years before the Olympics, in 1970, Gunnar competed at the European Championships in Barcelona. He had an amazing performance there. He won three gold medals: for the 200 metre medley, 400 metre medley, and 400 metre freestyle. He also earned a silver medal in the 200 metre freestyle. For his great swimming that year, he received the Svenska Dagbladet Gold Medal. This is a very special award in Sweden.
First World Championship Win
In 1973, Gunnar Larsson competed in the first official FINA World Aquatics Championships. This event took place in Belgrade. He continued his winning streak by taking home the gold medal in the 200 metre individual medley.
Records and Recognition
Throughout his swimming career, Gunnar Larsson set many impressive records. He also received important honors for his achievements.
Setting New Records
Gunnar set three world records during his career. He also set eight European records. These records show how dominant he was in swimming during his time.
Hall of Fame Induction
In 1979, Gunnar Larsson was honored in a very special way. He was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame. This means he is recognized as one of the greatest swimmers of all time. He is often considered, along with Arne Borg, as Sweden's greatest swimmer ever.
Life After Swimming
Gunnar Larsson retired from competitive swimming in 1973. After that, he explored different career paths.
He worked as a swimming coach until 1980. Later, he took on various jobs. He worked with McDonald's for some time. He also worked for the Swedish Swimming Federation from 2000 to 2005. In 2003, he even tried acting for a year. From 1974 to 2004, he was a part-time swimming commentator for radio stations.
Family Life
Gunnar Larsson comes from a family of swimmers. His elder sisters, Karin and Kristina, were also Olympic swimmers.
Gunnar married Marianne Larsson in 1979. They have three children together. Their daughters are Lotten, born in 1978, Emelie, born in 1980, and Amanda, born in 1989.
See also
In Spanish: Gunnar Larsson para niños
- List of members of the International Swimming Hall of Fame
- List of Olympic medalists in swimming (men)
- World record progression 400 metres freestyle
