OfficialReport Helsinki 1952 p 250 f The 1 500 metres has often been one of the most electrifying events of the Olympic Games, and this was the case also in Helsinki. Before the Games the young German Werner Lueg had run the distance in his own country in the world record time of 3.43.0, and his compatriot Günther Dohrow in 3.44.8. The year before, however, the world had begun to regard England's Roger Bannister as prime favourite, and the Swedish milers, too, still held their world reputation although Henry Eriksson and Lennart Strand were not present to defend their double victory in London. Already in the heats the third man in London, Willem Slijkhuis, dropped out by etiring from the track. The Hungarian Garay, one of the finalists in London, finished seventh in his heat. The best preferred not to show their cards in the heats, but the semifinals were contested in earnest. In both semi-finals the decision was left to a finishing spurt 300 metres long after three laps had been run watchfully. The winners, Johansson and Barthel, had been among the finalists in London in 1948, where neither finished among the first six. Now, seen from the stands, they ran with such ease that their shares soared as thoughts turned to the final to be run the next day. Johansson's powers failed him in the final, but Barthel fulfilled the hopes of his closest acquaintances by carrying off the Gold Medal, a feat by which he himself was so overcome that he burst into tears. Boysen led over the <b>...</b>
Olympics
Athletics
1500m
Barthel
Olympic Games
Athletics (sport)
Gold
