Otto Monsen

Otto Monsen dominated the high jump in Norway for a decade. After winning bronze at his first Norwegian Championship in 1907, he took gold in 1908-11, 1913, 1916 and 1917. He participated in the 1908 and 1912 Olympics but failed to qualify for the final both times. In 1913, he set a Norwegian record crossing the bar at 1.845 m during a competition in Trondheim.

Monsen also competed in speed skating until 1922, amongst others at the 1911 European and World Championships. In 1906 and 1907, he ranked in the top 10 of the Norwegian Championships. During his career he represented various clubs including Hamar Turnforening, Kristiania Idrætsforening, Sportsklubben Brage, Kristiansund Idrettslag and Drammens Idrætsforening.

Monsen started his professional career as a typographer in his hometown Hamar. From 1913 he worked as a journalist in Kristiansund (1913), Gjøvik (1915), Drammen and Oslo (1917). He acted as editor of the __ Kongsberg Tidende__ newspaper in Akershus from 1920 and again from 1933-57. Monsen was briefly chairman of the Buskerud Press Association and for a period of 18 years of the Akershus Press Association. From 1924 he was a popular broadcaster and wrote a number of revues and plays.

As a local politician he served on the Lillestrøm district council for two periods. Monsen was a co-founder of the Lågdal Museum in Kongsberg and served as its deputy chairman for seven years. He had two children with his wife Gyro Monsen (née Aamot).

Personal Best: HJ – 1.845 (1913).