Harry Haraldsen

Harry Haraldsen came into national fame when placing fourth at the 1934 Norwegian Speed Skating Championships. In 1935 he placed fourth at the World Championships in Oslo, after winning the 500 metres. At the beginning of the 1936 season, Haraldsen won a bronze medal at the European Championships, also in Oslo. At the Winter Olympics in Garmisch-Partenkirchen he fell during his favorite distance, the 500 metres, and placed seventh in the 1,500 metres. Haraldsen was also an excellent track cyclist, and competed in the summer games in Berlin later in 1936. He continued to compete in speed skating until the 1940s, and was one of the spokesmen for a sport boycott after the German invasion of Norway in April 1940. His best international placing was a silver medal at the 1938 European Championships, also this time at his favorite track, Frogner Stadion in Oslo. After placing third in 1937 and second in 1938, he finally was crowned Norwegian Champion in Hamar in January 1940. He continued to compete after World War II, participating in the national championships in 1947 and 1948.

Personal Bests: 500 – 42.9 (1938); 1500 – 2:15.7 (1939); 5000 – 8:34.2 (1940); 10000 – 17:54.5 (1940).