Hjalmar Johansson
Hjalmar Johansson
Hjalmar Johansson (January 20, 1874 – September 30, 1957) was a Swedish pioneer in diving and swimming who helped shape the sport. He was born in Karlskrona, Sweden, and died in Segeltorp, Sweden. He competed in diving, swimming, and athletics for clubs IK Atle, Stockholm, and Stockholms KK.
In the 1906 Intercalated Games, at age 32, he took part in three events: 100 m freestyle (reaching the final and finishing 8th), standing long jump (19th of 30), and the combined platform diving (6th of 24).
At the 1908 London Olympics, he won the gold medal in the 10 m platform diving and also competed in the 200 m breaststroke. He helped rescue a fellow diver who had passed out after a water entry.
In the 1912 Stockholm Games, at age 38, Johansson won silver in plain high diving, finishing behind fellow Swede Erik Adlerz, and placed fourth in the 10 m platform.
Beyond competing, Johansson contributed to the sport by helping design the Olympic code for diving conduct and by inventing diving styles, including the "Swedish Swallow." He dominated Swedish diving from 1897 to 1912, with two years away while studying in London, and held the British title from 1907 to 1913.
In 1982, Hjalmar Johansson was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame as an honor diver and contributor.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 06:52 (CET).