Lars Aas

Lars Aas started his sporting career as a teenager in speed skating, skiing and sailing. The son of an officer, he excelled during his studies at the military academy in ski jumping and orienteering, for instance. After graduating in 1903, he passed exams at the central gymnastics school (1906) and the teacher’s school (1907). Aas then worked as a gymnastics and fencing teacher for the military and at the school of Norwegian educator Sigurd Halling, where he also taught Crown Prince Olav.

When Aas was promoted to an infantry officer, he focused on fencing. At the 1912 Olympic Games, he competed in foil and épée events. Subsequently, he won six Norwegian championships in foil (1913, 1915-19) and in 1920, he won his last championship in épée. In addition, he won the King’s Cup in fencing eight times (1909, 1913, 1915-20).

During his military career, Aas rose to the rank of major. He continued to compete successfully in military cross-country races throughout the 1920s, with his final race coming at the age of 70. In 1922, he became a professional fencing instructor. As a skier, he also competed in the Holmenkollen and Birkebeiner long-distance races.

Aas was married to Eimilia Andrea “Emmy” Nielsen. They had three daughters and one son.