Hans von Blixen-Finecke

Baron Hans Gustaf von Blixen-Finecke (25 July 1886 – 26 September 1917) was a Swedish equestrian who won a bronze medal in dressage at the 1912 Summer Olympics. He died in an airplane crash in 1917.

Career

Von Blixen-Finecke was born at Näsbyholm Castle, Sweden and was the son of Hovjägmästare, Baron Fredrik von Blixen-Finecke and Countess Clara Krag-Juel-Wind-Frijs. He was both the twin brother of Bror, Baron von Blixeni-Finecke, a famed professional hunter in Africa, and a brother-in-law of writer Karen Blixen. Hans had experienced a failed love affair with Karen Blixen, Karen then accepting an offer of marriage from Hans' brother.

He passed mogenhetsexamen on 29 May 1906 and became an volunteer at Scanian Dragoon Regiment (K 6) on 31 May 1906 and became an officer on 19 December 1908. von Blixen-Finecke became a second lieutenant at Scanian Dragoon Regiment (K 6) in 1909 and was promoted to lieutenant in 1910. von Blixen-Finecke won a bronze medal in dressage at the 1912 Summer Olympics

Personal life

On 15 July 1915 at Trollenäs Castle he married Hilla-Brita Trolle (born 4 April 1894), the daughter of överhovjägmästaren, baron Nils Axel Arvid Trolle and baroness Anna Eleonora Sofia Leijonhufvud. Their son, Hans von Blixen-Finecke Jr., won two gold medals in eventing at the 1952 Summer Olympics. Hans von Blixen-Finecke Sr. died in an airplane crash on 26 September 1917 and was buried at Gärdslöv cemetery in Trelleborg Municipality.