PHOTO: Bildbyrån
In 1978, Sven-Åke Lundbäck was completely superior when he won WC gold in both the five-mile and the men’s relay.
But there was no golden achievement – which led to Thomas Wassberg later refusing to accept the award in pure protest.
– He didn’t want to accept the achievement gold, it’s Wassberg. He is that way, says Sven-Åke Lundbäck to Sportbibeln.
The skiing legend Sven-Åke Lundbäck,74, today lives the happy retired life. His skiing career ended in 1981, and then Lundbäck invested in a career as a gymnastics director that lasted until he retired 10 years ago. Sven-Åke Lundbäck took his very first steps with the poles in the small village of Siknäs, which lies south of Kalix. And during the early 1970s, his career took off in earnest when he won SM gold in the three mile race in Skellefteå.
Big success
After the SM gold, the career would flourish further, and significantly so. The following year, Sven-Åke Lundbäck was completely superior when he won Olympic gold in 15 kilometers, and the successes would continue to come.
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In 1978 it was a smash hit. It was the year when Sven-Åke Lundbäck won World Cup gold in both the five-mile and the men’s relay, and according to him himself, 1978 is precisely the best year of his career.
– 1978 was my best year, without a doubt, says Sven-Åke Lundbäck to Sportbibeln.
READ MORE: When Thomas Wassberg raised his arm and showed why you absolutely should not get in his way in the track
The successes led to a discussion about the achievement gold, but despite the successful year, the prestigious award did not go to Lundbäck. A decision that got Thomas Wassberg to react so much that he refused to accept the award two years later, in pure protest against his colleague Sven-Åke Lundbäck not receiving it in 1978.
– It is true that Thomas Wassberg did not want to receive the gold medal, it is Wassberg. He is that way. Then the opposition wasn’t the easiest that year either Björn Borg and Ingemar Stenmark. I’m glad I was even part of that discussion. It was a fun thing with Wassberg, says Sven-Åke Lundbäck.
“Very proud”
Today it is retired life that applies to Sven-Åke Lundbäck. And even though many years have passed since his career ended, the 74-year-old is still the only one ever to have his own hill with an associated sign named after him in the Vasaloppet. More precisely the “Lundbäcksbackarna” at Oxberg.
– I am very proud of that. It was the last thing I did in my career, and now it’s a new sign that was inaugurated two years ago. I got the old sign, and it’s hanging in my garage right now above my bullpen. It fits very well there and it will stay there, says a noticeably satisfied Sven-Åke Lundbäck.
READ MORE: When Thomas Wassberg lashed out at the journalist corps – already two seconds after the finish line: “Get away, get away!”