Charles Mathiesen

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameCharles Arthur•Mathiesen
Used nameCharles•Mathiesen
Born12 February 1911 in Drammen, Viken (NOR)
Died7 November 1994 in Drammen, Viken (NOR)
AffiliationsDrammens SK, Drammen (NOR)
NOC Norway
Medals OG
Gold 1
Silver 0
Bronze 0
Total 1

Biography

A consistent performer throughout the 1930s, Charles Mathiesen won two international titles. The first one came at the 1936 Olympics, where he surprisingly kept compatriot Ivar Ballangrud from winning all four speed skating titles by winning the 1500 m. Two years later, Mathiesen emerged victorious at the European Championships in Oslo, which featured an all-Norwegian podium. Mathiesen won an additional four championships medals, placing runner-up in the Europeans in 1936 and 1939, and third in the World Championships in 1938 and 1939. He was also on the podium at the 1940 and 1946 World Championships, which were not official events, however. In 1940, he also broke the 10,000 m world record, which was recognized. His performance in Norwegian championships earned him the title “eternal second”, placing second on six occasions, and third three times. Mathiesen closed out his career in 1948, with his second Olympic appearance. It was not as memorable as the first, as he had to retire his race due to altitude-related respiratory problems and was brought to the hospital.

Personal Bests: 500 – 43.2 (1940); 1500 – 2:15.6 (1939); 5000 – 8:18.7 (1940); 10000 – 17:01.5 (1940).

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1936 Winter Olympics Speed Skating (Skating) NOR Charles Mathiesen
1,500 metres, Men (Olympic) 1 Gold
5,000 metres, Men (Olympic) 7
10,000 metres, Men (Olympic) 4
1948 Winter Olympics Speed Skating (Skating) NOR Charles Mathiesen
5,000 metres, Men (Olympic) DNF

Olympic Records

Records may have been broken subsequently during the same competition.
Games Date Sport Event Phase Mark Pos
1936 Winter Olympics 13 February 1936 Speed Skating (Skating) 1,500 metres, Men Final Standings 2:19.2 1
1936 Winter Olympics 14 February 1936 Speed Skating (Skating) 10,000 metres, Men Final Standings 17:41.2 4

Special Notes