Alfred Gaschen

Swiss long-distance runner Alfred Gaschen was a specialist in the 5,000 metres, winning seven national titles in that distance from 1919 to 1928. In 1919 Gaschen broke the Swiss record for the 3,000 metres, with the record standing for the next 18 years. A few weeks after breaking the record in the 3,000 metres he then set a national record in the 5,000 metres. At the 1920 Swiss national championships in Genève Gaschen did the double with victory in the 1,500 metres and the 5,000 metres, which earned him selection for the 1920 Antwerpen Olympics. His national success did not translate to Olympic success, however, with him being eliminated in the heats of the 5,000 metres and failing to finish in the final of the 10,000 metres.

Gaschen’s best time in the 5,000 metres came in August 1922 in Genève when he ran 15:44.6, again breaking the Swiss record. In 1925 he briefly gave up on athletics before making a return the following year and winning his sixth national title. Gaschen won his seventh and final title in the 5,000 metres in 1928.

Personal Bests: 5000 – 15:44.6 (1922); 10000 – unknown.