Ove Fundin | ||
Personal information | ||
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Nationality | Sweden | |
Date of birth | May 23, 1933 | |
Place of birth | Tranås, Sweden | |
Nickname | The Fox or The Flying Fox | |
Current club information | ||
Career status | Retired | |
Career history | ||
Filbyterna (SWE) Norwich Stars Kaparna (SWE) Long Eaton Archers Belle Vue Aces Wembley Lions |
1951-1957 1955-1964 1958-1971 1966 1967 1970 |
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Individual honours | ||
World Champion Swedish Champion SA State Champion (Aust) WA State Champion (Aust) |
1956, 1960, 1961, 1963, 1967 1956, 1957, 1960, 1962, 1964, 1966, 1967, 1969, 1970 1961 1969 |
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Team honours | ||
World Team Cup World Pairs Champion |
1960, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1967, 1970 1968 |
Ove Fundin (born May 23, 1933 in Tranås, Sweden) is a former speedway rider who won the Speedway World Championship five times (1956, 1960, 1961, 1963, 1967). He finished runner-up in the championship 3 times (1957-59) and was third in 1962, 1964 and 1965 meaning that from his first win in 1956 until his last in 1967, Ove Fundin did not finish lower than a podium place in a record eleven World Finals.[1] He was known by the nickname of the "Flying Fox" or just "the Fox" because of his red hair.
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It was suggested to him by Australian champion Aub Lawson that he ride in Britain and he joined the Norwich Stars, riding for them from 1955 until 1964 when the Firs stadium closed. Then he rode for Long Eaton 1966, Belle Vue 1967, Wembley 1970 but will always be remembered for the glory days at Norwich Stars where he was worshiped by the home fans.
He made a total of 15 World Final appearances coming runner-up three times and third three times as well as his five wins. He also helped Sweden win the World Team Cup in 1960, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1967 and 1970 as well as the Speedway World Pairs Championship in 1968. He is considered by many to be the greatest rider of all time and this is reflected by the Speedway World Cup being named after him.
Fundin received the Svenska Dagbladet Gold Medal in 1961 (shared with Sten Lundin).
Fundin was honoured as a Freeman of the City of Norwich in 2006, only the second non-English person to be awarded this honour. The ceremony was completed at Norwich City Hall Council chamber by the Lord Mayor of Norwich on October 30, 2006.
He currently lives on the French Riviera.
Preceded by Jane Cederqvist |
Svenska Dagbladet Gold Medal . (with Sten Lundin) 1961 |
Succeeded by Assar Rönnlund |
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