Although Finnish Greco-Roman heavyweight wrestler Emil Backenius lost his first bout in the 1912 Olympic tournament by decision against Dutchman Barend Bonneveld a victory in round two and two consecutive walkovers lifted him to round five, where he was eliminated by the eventual bronze medal winner, S. M. Jensen from Denmark.
Backenius had his first major international appearance one year earlier when he placed 4th at the unofficial World Championships in Helsinki behind three compatriots. He earned his sole domestic title in 1914 and was runner-up in 1917.
Finland