Ernst Wide

Outside of athletics Ernst Wide worked as a paper dealer in his hometown of Stockholm. On the track Wide was an accomplished middle-distance runner who won multiple Swedish titles and a medal at his home Olympics.

Wide specialised as a middle-distance runner in the 800 metres and 1,500 metres. He won four national titles in the 800 metres (1909–11, 1914), and five titles in the 1,500 metres (1909–12, 1914). He was also the runner-up in the 800 metres in 1912 and 1915, and in the 1,500 metres in 1908. With his success on the track Wide inevitably set several Swedish records in his favoured events, in addition to setting a record in the 880 yards in 1908 that stood until 1923. His national record in the 800 metres stood from 1909 to 1911, while his 1,500 metres record lasted from 1910 to 1917.

At Wilde’s home Olympics in 1912 in Stockholm he was part of the Swedish quintet that won the silver medal in the 3,000 metres team race. He also finished in fifth place in the 1,500 metres in a tight race with the top five athletes all finishing less than one second apart.

Personal Bests: 1500 – 3:57.6 (1912); 3000 – unknown.