Eric Backman

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameEric Natanael•Backman
Used nameEric•Backman
Born18 May 1896 in Acklinga, Tidaholm, Västra Götaland (SWE)
Died29 June 1965 in Skövde, Västra Götaland (SWE)
Measurements172 cm / 64 kg
AffiliationsIFK Tidaholm, Tidaholm (SWE)
NOC Sweden
Medals OG
Gold 0
Silver 1
Bronze 3
Total 4

Biography

Eric Backman won one silver and three bronze medals at the 1920 Olympics in long-distance and cross-country running. Although he was a world class runner, he was a heavy smoker and enjoyed drinking alcohol. Backman was an eight-time Swedish champion in the 5 and 10K in the years 1918-23, setting Swedish records over 5,000 m, 10,000 m, 5 miles and in the one-hour run. In 1919 Backman won the English AAA Championship over four miles. He was appointed “Stor grabb” #38 in athletics. After 1943 Backman worked in the Volvo factory in Skövde.

Personal Bests: 3000 – unknown; 5000 – 14:51.0 (1919); 10000 – 31:02.2 (1921).

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1920 Summer Olympics Athletics SWE Eric Backman
5,000 metres, Men (Olympic) 3 Bronze
10,000 metres, Men (Olympic) AC
3,000 metres, Team, Men (Olympic) Sweden 3 Bronze
Cross-Country, Individual, Men (Olympic) 2 Silver
Cross-Country, Team, Men (Olympic) Sweden 3 Bronze