Ole Jakob Pedersen

Ole Jakob Pedersen’s father was a telegraph inspector. He himself graduated from the Telegraph School in Kristiania (Oslo) in 1911 and married telegraphist Gunhild (née Tharaldsen) in 1917. Together they had two sons and one daughter.

Pedersen started his athletic career in 1909 in Stavanger. After he took up his studies, he represented Kristiania IF. In 1910, he dominated the Norwegian Championships winning gold over 400 metres, 800 metres, and 1,500 metres and added a bronze in the 110 m hurdles. He almost repeated this feat in 1913, except for claiming only silver in the 400 metres.

In between, Pedersen participated in an international student meeting in Stockholm in 1911, where he came third in the 400, 800, and 1500 meters. In 1912, at the Stockholm Olympics, he also took part in these events. Only in the 400 m he advanced to the second round but was eliminated in the semi-finals. Pedersen’s time of 51.6 in the heats of the 400 m was a new Norwegian record. He also held Norwegian records in the 800 metres (2:00.9) and 1500 meters (4:14.8).

Pedersen became telegraph manager in Sandefjord from 1928 and held this position until his retirement. He also held positions as a member of the board of the Sandefjord and Opland’s Turistforening and of the local land committee.

Personal Bests: 400 – 51.6 (1912); 800 – 1:57.3e (1912); 1500 – 4:14.8 (1910).