Thomas Wassberg, a Swedish skiing legend, turned 70 years old. He is described as an icon in skiing and a piece of skiing history. Wassberg filled his trophy case with four Olympic gold medals and three World Championship gold medals during his career in the 1980s.
He became popular through duels with Gunde Svan and his strong personality, where he never compromised his integrity. In 1980, Wassberg was awarded the Bragdguldet after winning Olympic gold in the 15 km in Lake Placid by one hundredth of a second ahead of Juha Mieto, but he refused to accept the award because his national team colleague Sven-Åke Lundbäck did not receive it for his performance in the 1978 World Championships in Lahti. Lundbäck was part of the winning Swedish relay team and won the 50 km.
Wassberg accepted the Bragdguldet 33 years later, the same year Johan Olsson was awarded it for his World Championship gold after the solo race in the 50 km in Val di Fiemme. Wassberg said he softened due to persistent efforts from Svenska Dagbladet and Olsson's award. In connection with the World Cup ending its season in Lake Placid the past weekend, Wassberg returned 46 years after his famous Olympic gold.
Wassberg has not planned anything for his 70th birthday, saying it will be as it comes.