Per-Erik Hedlund

Who was Per-Erik Hedlund?

Per-Erik Hedlund was a Swedish cross country skier who competed in the 1920s and 1930s.

He was born in Särnaheden, Älvdalen Municipality, Dalarna County.

Hedlund participated in the 50 kilometre competition at the 1924 Winter Olympics in Chamonix, but did not finish.

He won the 50 km event at the 1928 Winter Olympics in St. Moritz by 13 minutes, 27 seconds over fellow Swede Gustaf Jonsson. Hedlund's margin of victory is unequaled in Olympic history. In the 18 kilometre event he finished sixth. While competing, he wore a white outfit and red cap. In honor of this 1928 50 km victory, Swedish Nordic skiers wore white uniforms and red caps at every Winter Olympics for the next 48 years.

He also finished 6th in the 50 km event at the 1933 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships and also won the 4 x 10 km relay at those same championships. Hedlund also won the Svenska Dagbladet Gold Medal in 1928.