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He competed in the 50 kilometer event at the 1948, 1956 and 1960 Olympics and finished in first, third and second place, respectively.
He competed in the 50 kilometer event at the 1948, 1956 and 1960 Olympics and finished in first, third and second place, respectively.
He was known for his walking technique, and was never disqualified during his 499 races. He also competed nationally in cycling, orienteering, running and cross-country skiing. Ljunggren was used to hot, but not cold weather.
So he got cramps in the cold Helsinki at the 1952 Olympics and finished ninth.
At the 1960 Games in Rome, a friendly race official poured a bucket of ice water close to the finish. Ljunggren cramped again and finished second.
At the 1956 Olympics he got a bad infection in a toe before the final race, yet managed to finish third. An accountant by trade, he was deeply religious.