Alv Gjestvang

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameAlv•Gjestvang
Used nameAlv•Gjestvang
Born13 September 1937 in Skreia, Østre Toten, Innlandet (NOR)
Died26 November 2016 in Lillehammer, Innlandet (NOR)
AffiliationsSkreia IL, Skreia, Østre Toten (NOR) / Oslo IL, Oslo (NOR)
NOC Norway
Medals OG
Gold 0
Silver 1
Bronze 1
Total 2

Biography

Alv Gjestvang was a sprinter in an era where separate sprinting competitions were non-existent. On two occasions, Gjestvang qualified for the World Championships, placing third in the 500 m in both 1956 and 1959. His best results, however, came at the Olympics. At the Cortina Games, the 18-year-old prevented an all-Soviet podium by winning the bronze. Eight years later, he was involved in a three-way tie for silver, skating the fastest race of his life with 40.6. At the Norwegian Championships, Gjestvang never qualified for the final distance, but collected six distance wins in the 500 m between 1959 and 1965. He later ran a barbershop in Lillehammer, site of the 1994 Olympics.

Personal Bests: 500 – 40.6 (1964); 1500 – 2:14.2 (1960); 5000 – 8:35.1 (1958); 10000 – 18:19.2 (1958).

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1956 Winter Olympics Speed Skating (Skating) NOR Alv Gjestvang
500 metres, Men (Olympic) 3 Bronze
1960 Winter Olympics Speed Skating (Skating) NOR Alv Gjestvang
500 metres, Men (Olympic) 6
1964 Winter Olympics Speed Skating (Skating) NOR Alv Gjestvang
500 metres, Men (Olympic) =2 Silver