John Frederik Mikaelsson (6 December 1913 – 16 June 1987) was a Swedish race walker who set 14 European and world records in various events. He was most successful over 10 km distance, winning Olympic gold medals in 1948 and 1952 and a European title in 1946.[1][2]

John Mikaelsson
Personal information
Born6 December 1913
Kristinehamn, Sweden
Died16 June 1987 (aged 73)
Placer County, California, United States
Height183 cm (6 ft 0 in)
Weight73 kg (161 lb)
Sport
SportAthletics
Event10 km walk
ClubIFK Kristinehamn (1932–38)
Sundbybergs IK (1939–42)
Västerås SK (1943–44)
Stockholms GK 1945–52
Achievements and titles
Personal best42:52.4 (1945)[1]
Medal record
Representing  Sweden
Olympic Games
Gold medal – first place 1948 London 10 km walk
Gold medal – first place 1952 Helsinki 10 km walk
European Championships
Gold medal – first place 1946 Oslo 10 km walk
Bronze medal – third place 1950 Brussels 10 km walk

Mikaelsson competed domestically in running, skiing, orienteering, handball and football. His international race walking career began with a win at the 1937 English championship, but was then interrupted by World War II.[2]

References

edit
  1. ^ a b John Mikaelsson Archived 3 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine. sports-reference.com
  2. ^ a b John Mikaelsson. Swedish Olympic Committee
Records
Preceded by Men's 20km Walk World Record Holder
30 May 1937 – 5 June 1955
Succeeded by