William Petersson

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameReinhold William Eugen•Petersson (-Björneman)
Used nameWilliam•Petersson
Born6 October 1895 in Sandby, Mörbylånga, Kalmar (SWE)
Died10 May 1965 in Kalmar, Kalmar (SWE)
Measurements184 cm / 78 kg
AffiliationsKalmar IS, Kalmar (SWE)
NOC Sweden
Medals OG
Gold 1
Silver 0
Bronze 1
Total 2

Biography

William Petersson later changed his name to Björneman and was a long-time official with the IAAF. At Antwerpen in 1920 he won the long jump, the first non-American to win that event, and the only one until 1964. Petersson was a four-time Swedish champion in the long jump (1918-20, 1924) and was the Swedish record holder from 1918-27. During this period he improved the record several times, moving it from 7.20 to 7.39. Like many long jumpers he was also an excellent sprinter, winning a bronze medal with the Swedish team in the 4x100 m relay.

Personal Bests: 100 – 11.0 (1918); LJ – 7.39 (1924).

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1920 Summer Olympics Athletics SWE William Petersson
4 × 100 metres Relay, Men (Olympic) Sweden 3 Bronze
Long Jump, Men (Olympic) 1 Gold