Rolf Monsen

Born in Oslo, Rolf Monsen came to the United States in 1921. He competed in the 1928 and 1932 Winter Olympics, but he also qualified for the 1936 Winter Games. Injuring his leg shortly before those Olympics, he was given the honor to carry the American flag at the Garmisch-Partenkirchen Opening Ceremony. Monsen retired from competition in 1937, but became a certified ski jump judge, judging competitions in the United States, Canada, and Europe. In 1940 he was hired by the US War Department to help train the 10th Mountain Division Ski Troops. After World War II he settled in California, and continued to ski recreationally throughout his life. He was elected to the US Ski Hall of Fame in 1964.