Johan Richthoff

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameJohan Cornelius•Richthoff
Used nameJohan•Richthoff
Nick/petnamesSnövit
Born30 April 1898 in Limhamn, Malmö, Skåne (SWE)
Died1 October 1983 in Limhamn, Malmö, Skåne (SWE)
AffiliationsBK Kärnan, Limhamn, Malmö (SWE)
NOC Sweden
Medals OG
Gold 2
Silver 0
Bronze 0
Total 2

Biography

A son of a fisherman, Johan Richthoff participated in football and athletics. When a new club was formed in his neighborhood he started practicing wrestling. He was ranked fourth in 1924 before he won gold medals in 1928 and 1932 in heavyweight freestyle. In 1929 and 1930, he was European champion in light-heavyweight freestyle, also winning in 1930 in Greco-Roman. Domestically Richthoff won eight Swedish Championships. For his two European titles he was awarded the Svenska Dagbladet Gold Medal in 1930. After the 1932 Games he turned professional in the United States, remaining undefeated in 100 bouts. He later coached Sweden’s freestyle wrestlers at the 1936 Olympics, although he continued to wrestle professionally until age 49. He devoted himself to the fight against alcohol as a Free Church preacher. He was also active in music, literature, and as a chess player.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1924 Summer Olympics Wrestling SWE Johan Richthoff
Heavyweight, Freestyle, Men (Olympic) =4
1928 Summer Olympics Wrestling SWE Johan Richthoff
Heavyweight, Freestyle, Men (Olympic) 1 Gold
1932 Summer Olympics Wrestling SWE Johan Richthoff
Heavyweight, Freestyle, Men (Olympic) 1 Gold

Special Notes