Roald Larsen

Together with Rintje Ritsma, Roald Larsen is one of two speed skaters with six Olympic medals, but no gold. At the 1924 Games, he won a medal in each of the five events, taking silver in the 1500 m and the allround, and bronze in the other three events. He continued that season by winning the Norwegian, European and World Championships, becoming only the second man to achieve this. Larsen’s record in the World Championships is impressive; in 9 appearances, he won once, was runner-up twice, third once and fourth on four occasions. He also won four medals at the European championships in addition to his 1924 title. In 1928, he broke the world record in the 500 m, improving on the 14-year-old mark by Oscar Mathisen. He retired in 1936, having been out of international competition for several years. He then started his own glazier business with two brothers. Roald Larsen AS remained in business after Larsen’s death in 1962, having been acquired by a larger corporation.

Personal Bests: 500 – 43.1 (1928); 1500 – 2:21.3 (1928); 5000 – 8:34.4 (1924); 10000 – 17:40.3 (1924).