Ernst Fast

Ernst Robert Ephraim Fast ( born January 21, 1881 in Stockholm, Sweden, † October 26, 1959 in Husby - Ärlinghundra, Sweden) was a Swedish athlete and medal winner at the Olympic Games.

Almost was a professional electrician and worked in 1900 during the World Exhibition in Paris ( Exposition Universelle et Internationale de Paris) at the Swedish pavilion. He learned of sporting competitions from the show organizers, who were part of the Summer Olympics 1900. A talented long-distance runner decided Fast ado to participate in the marathon.

Almost in Sweden was already a successful runner and member of the Sundbybergs IK. In 1899 he won the national title of Sweden in the 10,000 -meter run. As early as 1898 he took over 17 years in the marathon part in Copenhagen, of the first events of this kind was one of the world since 1896. In 1898 the first Danish Championships discharged Running Fast Ernst won with 3:11:31 h in fourth place.

The Olympic marathon took place in Paris at temperatures up to 39 ° C on 19 July 1900. These were for the hottest run in Olympic history. In addition, the race was overshadowed by a very poor organization, was struck by the seriousness Almost itself. After 2.6 kilometers, the distance from the Bois de Boulogne led to a big round in a clockwise direction around the city center of Paris. It lacked any course markings and the paucity of marshals were insufficiently informed. In the lead was almost passed by a police officer in the wrong direction. Almost noticed the error until after several hundred meters, which he had all run back. One of the many legends about this marathon is about the unfortunate policeman Pierre Vendreau from Marseille, who have taken their lives because of this mishap, the following day.

Almost was able to catch back to the top, suffered after half the distance but leg cramps. Despite occasional walking breaks after 30 kilometers he was still in third place and should be able to hold this place until the finish. His behind the winner was over 37 minutes on the other hand was his lead on the fourth more than 23 minutes. Almost was the youngest marathon runner in Olympic history, who finished in the top three places.

The rankings at the Olympic Games for Ernst Robert Ephraim Fast:

• II Summer Olympic Games in 1900, Paris Marathon - 3:37:14 BRONZE with h (Gold to Michel Théato, LUX 2:59:45 h; silver on Émile Champion, FRA 3:04:17 h)

In 1902, Ernst Fast involved again in Copenhagen at the Danish Championships in the marathon and was winner in 2:50:30 h, which so far meant the fastest time by a Swedish runner on such a route length. In 1904 he again won the national title of Sweden in the 10,000 -meter run.

Ernst Almost died with 78 years in the small town of Husby - Ärlinghundra few kilometers north of Stockholm.