Gösta Åsbrink

Gösta Åsbrink started his Olympic career at the Intercalated Games in 1906 as a member of the Swedish gymnastics team which, however, did only compete “hors concours”. In 1908, he won gold with the Swedish team in the team all-around. In 1912, he won silver in the modern pentathlon at the first edition at the Stockholm Olympics. In this event, he placed first in shooting and running. In addition, he was also successful in shooting competitions.

Following his father, a major, Åsbrink joined the officer corps in 1903 as a second lieutenant. After completing the Krigshögskolan (Royal Swedish Army Staff College) and the Central Gymnastic Institute, he was promoted to lieutenant in 1905. In 1908, he became ordinance officer of the Crown Prince Gustav Adolf and in 1917 earned the rank of a captain adjutant of the inspector for the higher military school. Four years later he was officer on duty for commando expeditions of the Swedish Army. In 1931 he was promoted to major.

Later, Åsbrink was manager of the travel agency for Nordic voyages in Nice from 1927-30 and subsequently director of the Nordiska Resebureau in Stockholm. He accompanied the Crown Prince couple on their great trip in 1926/27 to the USA, Hawaii, and East Asia. In 1932-33 he travelled extensively through the West Indies and Latin America as well as Northern Africa.

His first wife was Evy Husberg. After divorce, he married Kerstin Flory Maria Arrhusiander in 1909. They had two sons and one daughter.