Sonja Edström

Sonja Viola Edström-Ruthström (Edström before 1960, 18 November 1930 – 15 October 2020 ) was a Swedish cross-country skier. She competed at the 1952, 1956, and 1960 Olympics in the 10 km and 3 × 5 km relay events and won bronze medals in both in 1956; in 1960 she finished fifth in the 10 km, but won the 3 × 5 km relay.

Edström was born in a family of six siblings, and was mostly raised by her father, as her mother fell seriously ill when Edström was six years old. At 14 she started working as a maid, and at 16 as a bottles cleaner at the Luleå Brewery. She was later a nurse at a Luleå hospital for more than 30 years.

Cross-country skiing results All results are sourced from the International Ski Federation (FIS).

Olympic Games 3 medals – (1 gold, 2 bronze) Year Age 10 km 3 × 5 km relay 1952 21 11 1956 25 Bronze Bronze 1960 29 5 Gold

World Championships 2 medals – (2 bronze) Year Age 10 km 3 × 5 km relay 1954 23 — Bronze 1958 27 22 Bronze