1. Life
Edvard Westerlund's life was marked by his dedication to wrestling, a sport deeply ingrained in his family.
1.1. Early life and background
Edvard Vilhelm Westerlund was born on February 1, 1901, in Helsinki, which was then part of the Grand Duchy of Finland, a constituent part of the Russian Empire. His early life in Helsinki laid the foundation for his future athletic career.
1.2. Family
Westerlund came from a family with a strong wrestling heritage. His brothers, Kalle Westerlund and Emil Westerlund, were also accomplished wrestlers who competed in the Olympic Games. This familial connection to the sport highlights a significant contribution of the Westerlund family to Finnish wrestling.
2. Major activities and achievements
Edvard Westerlund had a distinguished career in Greco-Roman wrestling, participating in numerous international and domestic competitions where he consistently achieved high honors.
2.1. Olympic Games
Westerlund represented Finland in three Olympic Games. He debuted at the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris, where he achieved his most significant Olympic victory, winning the gold medal in the 75 kg Greco-Roman wrestling event. Four years later, at the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam, he continued his success by securing a bronze medal in the 67.5 kg category. He also competed in the 1936 Summer Olympics, showcasing his long-standing presence in the sport at the highest level.
2.2. World Championships
Westerlund's international success extended to the World Wrestling Championships. He won a gold medal at the 1922 World Wrestling Championships held in Stockholm, competing in the 75 kg weight class. The previous year, at the 1921 World Wrestling Championships in his hometown of Helsinki, he earned a bronze medal in the 67.5 kg category.
2.3. European Championships
In addition to his Olympic and World Championship medals, Westerlund also medaled at the FILA Wrestling European Championships. He won a silver medal at the 1933 European Championships held in Helsinki, competing in the 79 kg weight class.
2.4. Domestic Competitions
Domestically, Westerlund was a dominant force in Finnish wrestling, competing in both Greco-Roman and freestyle disciplines. He secured three national championship titles:
- In 1927, he won the Finnish championship in Greco-Roman lightweight.
- In 1929, he claimed the Finnish championship in freestyle lightweight.
- In 1936, he earned another Finnish championship title in Greco-Roman light-heavyweight.
3. Personal Life
Edvard Westerlund was known for his athletic build, standing at 69 in (174 cm) and maintaining a competition weight that ranged between 150 lb (68 kg) and 192 lb (87 kg). Throughout his career, he was associated with the Helsingin Atleettiklubi in Helsinki.
4. Death
Edvard Westerlund passed away on December 7, 1982, in his hometown of Helsinki, Finland, at the age of 81.
5. Legacy
Edvard Westerlund's legacy is defined by his remarkable achievements as a wrestler, including his Olympic gold and multiple World and European Championship medals. His consistent performance at the highest levels of the sport cemented his place among Finland's most celebrated athletes. Furthermore, his contribution, alongside that of his brothers Kalle and Emil, established the Westerlund name as a significant force in Finnish wrestling history, highlighting a family tradition of excellence in the sport.