Arne Hamarsland

Runner Arne Hamarsland took up track athletics at the age of 16 and first appeared on the podium at the Norwegian national championships in 1953, when he was third in the 1500 metres. The following year he took silver in that event, before finally taking the crown in 1955 and 1956. After coming runner-up in 1957 and 1958, he was again champion from 1959 through 1963, except for 1962, when he was second. In other events, he was the 800 metres champion in 1960 and 1961, as well as the bronze medalist in 1956. He also won silver medals in the 3 kilometer cross-country race (1959), the 3000 metres steeplechase (1965), the 10,000 metres (1965), and the 5000 metres (1966).

During this time, Hamarsland represented Norway internationally, most notably at the 1960 Rome Olympics. There, he placed ninth in the 1500 metres. He also took part in the 1958 European Championships, where he was eliminated in the heats of the 1500 metres despite setting a national record, and the 1963 Nordic Championships, where he took bronze in that event. Following his retirement from active competition he worked as a coach, but also served in local politics. In 2018 he was third in the 1500 metres event in the M85 category at the World Masters Athletics Championships.

Personal Best: 1500 – 3:39.8 (1958).