Karl Gustav Herbert Freij (17 March 1922 – 4 August 1973) was a Swedish wrestler. He competed in the Greco-Roman lightweight (−67 kg) category at the 1948, 1952 and 1960 Olympics and finished in first, second and third place, respectively.[1] He missed the 1956 Games due to an injury.[2]

Gustav Freij
Gustav Freij in 1952
Personal information
Born17 March 1922
Malmö, Sweden
Died4 August 1973 (aged 51)
Malmö, Sweden
Height1.70 m (5 ft 7 in)
Weight67 kg (148 lb)
Sport
SportGreco-Roman wrestling
ClubIK Sparta, Malmö
Medal record
Men's Greco-Roman wrestling
Representing  Sweden
Olympic Games
Gold medal – first place 1948 London Lightweight
Silver medal – second place 1952 Helsinki Lightweight
Bronze medal – third place 1960 Rome Lightweight
World Championships
Gold medal – first place 1953 Naples 67 kg
Silver medal – second place 1950 Stockholm 67 kg
Bronze medal – third place 1955 Karlsruhe 67 kg

After retiring from competitions Freij worked at the Allhems printing plant in Malmö. He died of ALS, aged 51.[2][3] A memorial wrestling tournament is held in Sweden in his honor. His nephew Leif Freij also became an Olympic wrestler.[2]

References

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  1. ^ Gustav Freij. sports-reference.com
  2. ^ a b c "Gustav Freij". sok.se. Retrieved 27 April 2024.
  3. ^ "Gustaf Freij död". Dagens Nyheter. 7 August 1973. Spartabrottaren [...] led av en sällsynt och obotlig sjukdom som yttrar sig i muskelförtvining.
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