Roald Larsen

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameRoald Morel•Larsen
Used nameRoald•Larsen
Born2 January 1898 in Oslo, Oslo (NOR)
Died28 July 1959 in Oslo, Oslo (NOR)
AffiliationsOslo SK, Oslo (NOR)
NOC Norway
Medals OG
Gold 0
Silver 2
Bronze 4
Total 6

Biography

Together with Rintje Ritsma, Roald Larsen is one of two speed skaters with six Olympic medals, but no gold. At the 1924 Games, he won a medal in each of the five events, taking silver in the 1500 m and the allround, and bronze in the other three events. He continued that season by winning the Norwegian, European and World Championships, becoming only the second man to achieve this. Larsen’s record in the World Championships is impressive; in 9 appearances, he won once, was runner-up twice, third once and fourth on four occasions. He also won four medals at the European championships in addition to his 1924 title. In 1928, he broke the world record in the 500 m, improving on the 14-year-old mark by Oscar Mathisen. He retired in 1936, having been out of international competition for several years. He then started his own glazier business with two brothers. Roald Larsen AS remained in business after Larsen’s death in 1962, having been acquired by a larger corporation.

Personal Bests: 500 – 43.1 (1928); 1500 – 2:21.3 (1928); 5000 – 8:34.4 (1924); 10000 – 17:40.3 (1924).

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1924 Winter Olympics Speed Skating (Skating) NOR Roald Larsen
500 metres, Men (Olympic) =3 Bronze
1,500 metres, Men (Olympic) 2 Silver
5,000 metres, Men (Olympic) 3 Bronze
10,000 metres, Men (Olympic) 3 Bronze
Allround, Men (Olympic) 2 Silver
1928 Winter Olympics Speed Skating (Skating) NOR Roald Larsen
500 metres, Men (Olympic) =3 Bronze
1,500 metres, Men (Olympic) 4
10,000 metres, Men (Olympic) DNF

Olympic Records

Records may have been broken subsequently during the same competition.
Games Date Sport Event Phase Mark Pos
1924 Winter Olympics 27 January 1924 Speed Skating (Skating) 10,000 metres, Men Final Standings 18:12.2 3

Special Notes