Olaf Hovdenak

Olaf Hovdenak showed an early talent as a long-distance runner. At age 19, he ran the 10,000 metres in 34:25.7 in a race in Trondheim in July 1911, beating his nearest opponent by almost 2½ minutes. He decided to try to qualify for the 1912 Norwegian Olympic team in cross-country, and in the decisive selection race over 8 km, he finished third and secured a place on Norway’s four-man team for the event.

In 1913 Hovdenak had a successful season, first running 5,000 metres in Trondheim in 16:02.9 in mid-July, a national record. Six weeks later, he won both the 5 and 10K at the Norwegian Championships in Stavagner. This was his last competition outside his hometown. He made a few appearances in local events in 1914 and 1915, but in 1916 the National Championship was held in Trondheim, and Hovdenak repeated his sucess from 1913, winning gold in the two longest track distances.

Hovdenak married in 1916, and became the father of two sons within three years. He worked as a tailor, like his father, and lived in Trondheim until his sudden death in 1929, only 37-years-old.

Personal Best: 1500 - 4:23.1 (1915); 5000 - 16:02.9 (1913) ; 10000 - 35:01.3 (1908).