Patrik Sjöberg

Patrik Sjöberg will be forever associated with the Stockholm Stadium. On the evening of June 30, 1987, every event in the DN gala had been completed except for the high jump. The spectators were still in their seats and there was an expectation in the air that this would become an unforgettable evening. The then 22-year-old Sjöberg had one jump left to do at the world record height of 2.42. After two very good attempts, he once again prepared himself for the historic jump. At 9:30 p.m. he started his run towards the bar and a packed arena held its breath. A few seconds later, the Stockholm Stadium exploded when Patrik Sjöberg raised his arms toward the sky. The bar trembled, but stayed in place!

This moment is one of the greatest in the history of the arena. Later on in the summer of 1987, Patrik Sjöberg won the Gold Medal at the World Championships in Rome. He went on to win two Silver Medals in the 1984 and 1992 Olympics, as well as a Bronze Medal in 1988. Medals in all their glory, but it is Patrick’s world record at Stockholm Stadium that will be remembered forever.