Håkon Iversøn

During the 1960s and 1970s a Norwegian competitive swimmer Håkon Iversøn represented Hamar IL. Iversøn initially specialised in the 1,500 metres freestyle, winning several Norwegian titles and setting national records. His hard work and training paid off, with him finishing ninth in his favoured event at the World Aquatics Championships in Beograd. The following year he swam in the same event along with the 4 x 200 metres freestyle relay at the European Aquatics Championships, placing 14th and 9th, respectively.

Iversøn then travelled to the United States on a swimming scholarship, studying and training at the University of Alabama. Whilst in North America he was selected to swim in the 4 x 200 metres freestyle relay at the 1976 Montréal Olympics, where the Norwegian team finished 10th overall. One year later he made his final appearance at the European Championships, once again swimming in the 4 x 200 metres freestyle relay.

When Iversøn returned to Norway he became a coach, with Irene Dalby being one of his most notable students. Dalby went on to win multiple medals at the European Championships and compete at three Olympic Games under Iversøn’s supervision. Along with his coaching work at Hamar IL, Iversøn was also involved with volunteer work at the club.