Tor Torgersen

Distance runner Tor Torgersen entered the prime of his long-distance running career in the mid-1950s. He had his first Norwegian national podium finish, third, in the 5000 metres in 1955, and improved to silver in 1956, while also taking bronze in the cross-country forest run. He earned his first national titles in 1957, in the cross-country forest run and the 8 kilometers, while also taking silver in the 10,000 metres. He made his international début in 1958 at the European Championships, where he was 11th in the 10,000 metres, while domestically that year he took silver in the 5000 metres and bronze in the cross-country forest run and 3 kilometres.

Torgersen had his banner year in 1959, when he won national titles in the 5000, 10,000, and 8 kilometer events, in addition to taking bronze in the 3 kilometers. In 1960, however, he only managed second in the 5000 metres and the 8 kilometers and third in the 3 kilometers, but surprisingly won the marathon, leading to his selection to represent Norway in that event at the 1960 Rome Olympics. There, he placed 26th in a field of 69 starters. He retired from active competition shortly thereafter and worked in several capacities as coach.

Personal Best: Mar – 2-27:30 (1960).