Erik Bergvall

Erik Gustaf Bergvall (7 April 1880 – 4 February 1950) was a Swedish water polo player, journalist and sports official. He also promoted the Bergvall system, a variation of the traditional knockout tournament system which was used at the 1912, 1920 and 1924 Summer Olympics.

Water polo player As a water polo player, Bergvall represented Sweden at the 1908 Summer Olympics and helped the national water polo team win the bronze medal. At club level, Bergvall represented Stockholms KK.

Journalist As a journalist Bergvall worked mainly at the sportspaper Nordiskt Idrottslif, published between 1900 and 1920. He had two spells working for this newspaper: 1900-1903 and 1905-1920. He was also the chief editor and compiler of the official report of the 1912 Summer Olympics and wrote and/or edited or was a main contributor to some 30 books, including reports on the Olympic Games between 1920 and 1948 for the Swedish Olympic Committee.