Johan Granath

Johan Granath, from Västerås, won the 1976 World Sprint title – a rather easy title to win, as the Soviet Union and the other Eastern European countries boycotted the championships for political reasons, because they were held in West Berlin. Jos Valentijn seemed to be heading for the title, when he was in the lead after three distances, but he was disqualified on the final 1,000 m because of three false starts, giving the title to Granath. Granath also won a bronze medal at the Worlds in 1978, and reached the top 10 on nine occasions. His Olympic career was unremarkable, finishing 16th in both sprint distances in 1972, 13th in both events in 1976, and falling both times in 1980. In 1984 he ended his speed skating career in a sad way. He was caught in a doping test and was suspended for 18 months. After his active career Granath took up coaching. Among his pupils was the 2000 World Junior Champion Johan Röjler. Johan’s brother, Oloph Granath, was also a top international sprinter in the 1970s.

Personal Bests: 500 – 38.11 (1978); 1000 – 1:15.89 (1980); 1500 – 2:01.59 (1980); 5000 – 7:42.75 (1982); 10000 – 16:14.07 (1982).