Erik Åström

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games • Non-starter
SexMale
Full nameErik Johannes•Åström
Used nameErik•Åström
Nick/petnamesÅsa
Born23 February 1902 in Helsinki, Uusimaa (FIN)
Died25 April 1971 in Helsinki, Uusimaa (FIN)
AffiliationsHIFK, Helsinki (FIN)
NOC Finland

Biography

Hailed as one of the best Finnish sprinters of the 1920s, Erik Åström won multiple titles, set national records, and competed at the Olympics. In 1921 Åström became the Finnish champion in the 200 metres when he ran 22.1 seconds, setting a national record in the process. Further titles followed including more success in the 200 metres (1925–27), along with wins in the 400 metres (1925–27), the 4 x 100 metres (1922), and the 4 x4 00 metres (1922–27, 1930). At the 1924 Paris Olympics Åström ran in the 400 metres and the 4 × 400 metres relay but did not advance past the heats.

Åström also played bandy for Viipur IFK and Helsinki IFK and represented the Finnish national team in one match. For the 1948 London Olympics he was the leader of the Finnish team for the Games and served as a member of the organising committee for the 1952 Helsinki Olympics.

Personal Best: 400 – 49.0 (1925).

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1924 Summer Olympics Athletics FIN Erik Åström
400 metres, Men (Olympic) 2 h15 r1/4
4 × 100 metres Relay, Men (Olympic) Finland DNS
4 × 400 metres Relay, Men (Olympic) Finland 3 h2 r1/2
1928 Summer Olympics Athletics FIN Erik Åström
4 × 400 metres Relay, Men (Olympic) Finland DNS