John Ljunggren

John Ljunggren was one of the top race walkers after World War II. Taking up race walking in 1936 at the age of 16, Ljunggren had a long and successful career. He competed at five consecutive Olympic Games starting in 1948 and won a full set of medals, all in the 50 km walk – gold in 1948, silver in 1960 and bronze in 1956. He also competed at five consecutive European Championships starting in 1946 and won the 50 km gold in 1946 and 50 km silver in 1950. Ljunggren also set six world records during his career, in the 30,000 m track walk and the 50K track walk, and won 11 Swedish titles.

By profession, Ljunggren was an accountant, working more that 34 years at that trade. He was also a competent bicycle rider and skier, competing at those disciplines at the national level. Ljunggren continued competing at masters tournaments, winning the 20 km walk in M55 class at the 1977 World Masters Championships and the 10 km walk at the 1984 European Master Championships. His brothers Verner and Gunnar were also national level race walkers.

Personal Bests: 20kmW – 1-31:19 (1956); 50kmW – 4-19:40 (1956).