Karl Frei

Karl Frei was selected for the 1940 Swiss Olympic team, but the Games were canceled due to World War II. A rings specialist, Frei’s best years were probably during the war. At the London Olympics, Frei won the rings gold medal with ease, producing the best scores in both the compulsory and optional exercises. Frei won his second Olympic medal, a silver, in the team event. Representing Turnverein Regensdorf most of his career, Frei never won an individual Swiss all-around title, but finished in the top 10 almost every year from 1940-56. After finishing his sporting career, Frei worked as a gymnastics coach and later as a school janitor.