Arne Borg

Arne Borg was one of the prominent swimmers of the 1920s. With his unusual stroke, he set 32 World Records and won 5 Olympic medals. Borg failed to win an Olympic title at the 1924 Olympics, losing to his Australian rival Boy Charlton in the 1500 m freestyle, and to Johnny Weismuller in the 400 m. He finally got his Olympic title in Amsterdam, when he beat Charlton to the 1500 m gold. One year before, Borg had broken the World Record in that event. He had become the first swimmer to complete the distance in less than 20 minutes, and his record stood for nearly 12 years. This time was achieved when Borg won his fifth European title, and shortly after competing with the Swedish water polo team (which placed 2nd) in a match during one of his teeth was knocked out. After Borg failed to show up for conscription and went on holiday, he was briefly imprisoned. The highly popular Borg received food and drinks from fans, and was noted to have gained weight while in jail.

Borg had the following podium finishes at the European Championships: 1st in the 1926 400 metres Freestyle, 1st in the 1926 1500 metres Freestyle, 1st in the 1927 100 metres Freestyle, 1st in the 1927 400 metres Freestyle, 1st in the 1927 1500 metres Freestyle, 2nd in the 1926 100 metres Freestyle, 2nd in the 1927 4×200 metres Freestyle Relay (with Åke Borg, Aulo Gustafsson, and Eskil Lundahl), 3rd in the 1926 4×200 metres Freestyle Relay (with Georg Werner, Åke Borg, and Eskil Lundahl).