Ole Stenen, a postman from Øyer, north of Lillehammer, was one of the leading Norwegian skiers in Nordic combined and cross-country between 1924 and 1934. In 1928 he was a member of the victorious Norwegian military patrol team, but in spite of being 1928 national champion he was not selected for the 1928 Nordic combined team. Stenen won the silver medal in this event at the 1929 World Championships. In 1931 he had his greatest season, becoming the first Norwegian world champion in the 50 km. In the same season he also won the 50 km at Holmenkollen and his second national title in Nordic combined. After competing at the 1934 World Championshps, placing fourth in Nordic combined and seventh at 50 km, he ended his brilliant international skiing career.