Kenth Andersson
Encyclopedia
Kenth Andersson was a Swedish
middle-distance runner and running
agent.
Andersson began to reach the peak of his athletic powers in the late 1960s. He was the Swedish champion over 800 metres
and 1500 metres
outdoors in 1966 and repeated the double at the 1967 Swedish indoor championships. Andersson also took a second outdoor 800 m national title that year. He gained an athletic scholarship
at the United States International University in San Diego, California
and won the 1000-yard run in 1970 at the NAIA Indoor Championships
. In 1972 he again completed a middle-distance double at the Swedish indoor championships, and also competed as a guest at the Finnish indoors, where he won the 800 m title. He competed internationally for Sweden during his running career.
After retiring from athletics, he became an agent for other top level runners. He travelled frequently and spoke a number of languages. He remained a prominent figure in athletics circles and helped arrange interviews with Gunder Hägg
– a Swedish runner and world record holder of the 1940s – for journalists, including acting as a translator. He spent much time in Belgrade
, Serbia
in his later years and acted as an advisor to those organising the Belgrade Marathon
. He died in the Serbian capital at the age of 66 on 20 January 2011.
Following his death, the organisers of the Belgrade Marathon instituted the "Kenth Andersson Trophy" – an award to be given in recognition of those who have helped in the development of the competition.
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
middle-distance runner and running
Running
Running is a means of terrestrial locomotion allowing humans and other animals to move rapidly on foot. It is simply defined in athletics terms as a gait in which at regular points during the running cycle both feet are off the ground...
agent.
Andersson began to reach the peak of his athletic powers in the late 1960s. He was the Swedish champion over 800 metres
800 metres
The 800 meter race is a common track running event. It is the shortest common middle distance track event. The 800 meter is run over two laps of the track and has always been an Olympic event. During indoor track season the event is usually run on a 200 meter track, therefore requiring four laps...
and 1500 metres
1500 metres
The 1,500-metre run is the premier middle distance track event.Aerobic endurance is the biggest factor contributing to success in the 1500 metres but the athlete also requires significant sprint speed.In modern times, the 1,500-metre run has been run at a pace faster than the average person could...
outdoors in 1966 and repeated the double at the 1967 Swedish indoor championships. Andersson also took a second outdoor 800 m national title that year. He gained an athletic scholarship
Athletic scholarship
An athletic scholarship is a form of scholarship to attend a college or university awarded to an individual based predominantly on his or her ability to play in a sport...
at the United States International University in San Diego, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
and won the 1000-yard run in 1970 at the NAIA Indoor Championships
NAIA National Men’s Indoor Track And Field Championship
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics has sponsored a men's indoor track and field championship since 1966.-Winners of the NAIA men's indoor track and field championship:*1966 Southern-Baton Rouge *1967 Southern-Baton Rouge...
. In 1972 he again completed a middle-distance double at the Swedish indoor championships, and also competed as a guest at the Finnish indoors, where he won the 800 m title. He competed internationally for Sweden during his running career.
After retiring from athletics, he became an agent for other top level runners. He travelled frequently and spoke a number of languages. He remained a prominent figure in athletics circles and helped arrange interviews with Gunder Hägg
Gunder Hägg
Gunder Hägg was a Swedish runner and multiple world record breaker of the 1940s. Gunder Hägg set over a dozen middle distance world records at events ranging from 1500 metres to 5000 meters, including three at both the 1500 meters and the mile, one at 3000 meters and one at 5000 meters.Hägg and...
– a Swedish runner and world record holder of the 1940s – for journalists, including acting as a translator. He spent much time in Belgrade
Belgrade
Belgrade is the capital and largest city of Serbia. It is located at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, where the Pannonian Plain meets the Balkans. According to official results of Census 2011, the city has a population of 1,639,121. It is one of the 15 largest cities in Europe...
, Serbia
Serbia
Serbia , officially the Republic of Serbia , is a landlocked country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe, covering the southern part of the Carpathian basin and the central part of the Balkans...
in his later years and acted as an advisor to those organising the Belgrade Marathon
Belgrade Marathon
The Belgrade Marathon is a marathon race held annually in Belgrade since 1988. It is typically held in mid-April and also features half marathon and fun run for the public.-Background:...
. He died in the Serbian capital at the age of 66 on 20 January 2011.
Following his death, the organisers of the Belgrade Marathon instituted the "Kenth Andersson Trophy" – an award to be given in recognition of those who have helped in the development of the competition.