Biography:Clas Thunberg was a Finnish speed skater known for winning five Olympic gold medals, three of which were won in 1924 at the inaugural Winter Olympics held in Chamonix, France.
The other two gold medals were won in St. Moritz at the 1928 Winter Olympics, at which he shared the renown for most successful athlete with Norwegian skier Johan Grøttumsbraaten.
Thunberg is notable for his dominance and, moreover, for having come to the sport relatively late in life at age 18. He was prior to this a somewhat dissolute character, a smoker and a drinker, until he invested himself fully into skating.
1924-01-26 Clas Thunberg of Finland claims his first of 5 gold medals when he wins the 5,000m speed skating in 2:20.8 at the Chamonix Winter Olympics
1924-01-27 Clas Thunberg of Finland claims 3 gold medals in one day when he wins the 1,500m, 5,000m and all-round speed skating events at the Chamonix Winter Olympics; won 5,000m the day before
1928-02-13 Clas Thunberg of Finland wins his 4th Olympic gold medal when he dead-heats with Norway’s Bernt Evensen in the 500m speed skating at the St. Moritz Winter Games
1928-02-14 Clas Thunberg of Finland wins his 2nd gold medal of the Games and 5th career title when he takes out the 1,500m speed skating at the St. Moritz Winter Olympics
1929-01-19 Finnish speed skater Clas Thunberg sets new world 500m record in 42.8 seconds in Davos, Switzerland
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