Edvin Wide (5 September 1906 – 21 May 1996) was a Swedish long‑distance runner who competed internationally in the 5,000 metres, 10,000 metres and cross‑country events.
Early life and background
- Born in Arlöv, Sweden.
- Became affiliated with the athletics club IFK Malmö during his early sporting career.
Athletic career
- Represented Sweden in three consecutive Summer Olympic Games (1928 Amsterdam, 1932 Los Angeles, and 1936 Berlin).
- Olympic medal record:
- 1932 Los Angeles: silver medal in the 5,000 m and bronze medal in the 10,000 m.
- 1936 Berlin: silver medal in the 10,000 m and bronze medal in the 5,000 m.
- Also competed in the 1928 Olympics, finishing fourth in the 10,000 m.
- Won multiple Swedish national titles in both the 5,000 m and 10,000 m during the 1930s.
- Set several Swedish records in long‑distance distances, some of which stood for many years.
Post‑competitive career
- After retiring from competition, Wide worked as a physical‑education teacher and later as a sports administrator in Malmö.
- Contributed to the development of athletics programs for youth in Sweden.
Personal life and death
- Married with children; remained active in the Swedish athletics community throughout his life.
- Died on 21 May 1996 in Malmö, at the age of 89.
Legacy
Edvin Wide is remembered as one of Sweden’s most successful pre‑World War II distance runners, notable for his consistency across three Olympic Games and for the breadth of his medal haul in both the 5,000 m and 10,000 m events. His achievements contributed to Sweden’s reputation in middle‑ and long‑distance running during the early 20th century.
