Eric Backman

Eric Natanael Backman (18 May 1896 – 29 June 1965) was a Swedish long distance runner who had his best achievements at the 1920 Summer Olympics. He won the silver medal in the 8,000 m cross-country race, 2.6 seconds behind the legendary Paavo Nurmi. This second place helped the Swedish cross-country team to win the bronze medal behind Finland and Great Britain, as two other team members finished 10th and 11th. This scenario repeated in the 3,000 m event – Backman finished second and other Swedes 10th and 12th; this time Backman did not receive an individual medal, but he again pulled up the Swedish team to the third place. In the 5,000 metres Backman finished third, again behind Paavo Nurmi.[1]

Eric Backman
Personal information
Born18 May 1896
Acklinga, Sweden
Died29 June 1965 (aged 69)
Skövde, Sweden
Height1.72 m (5 ft 8 in)
Weight64 kg (141 lb)
Sport
SportAthletics
Event(s)3,000–10,000 m
ClubIFK Tidaholm
Achievements and titles
Personal best(s)5000 m – 14:51.0 (1919)
10,000 m – 31:02.2 (1921)
Medal record
Representing  Sweden
Olympic Games
1920 AntwerpIndividual cross country
1920 AntwerpCross country team
1920 Antwerp3000 metre team
1920 Antwerp5000 metres

Backman was a heavy smoker and enjoyed alcohol, yet he was an eight-time Swedish champion in the 5,000 m and 10,000 m in 1918–23, and held Swedish records over 5,000 m, 10,000 m, 5 miles and one-hour run. After 1943 he worked in the Volvo factory in Skövde.[1][2]

References
  1. Eric Backman. sports-reference.com
  2. Eric Backman. Swedish Olympic Committee


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