Ernst Günther

Farmer Ernst Günther was one of the top long-distance and cross-country runners in Bern throughout the 1940s, competing for Gymnastische Gesellschaft Bern (GGB). He first gained notice by winning an Army championship at Thun in 1940, and competed in several local long-distance running events throughout the decade, winning multiple road and forest races including in Grenchen and Aarwangen.

In 1947, he won the 5,000 m Swiss championship at Zürich and was chosen to represent his country at the Olympic Games in London in the following year. Unfortunately, he did not advance past his heat (which was won by eventual bronze medal winner Wim Slijkhuis), finishing in ninth place. Günther continued to compete in events as a member of GGB until the early 1950s.

Personal Best: 5000 – 15:08.0 (1947).