Hjalmar Andersen

Hjalmar Andersen was a Norwegian speed skater who won three gold medals at the 1952 Winter Olympics, making him the most successful athlete at the event.

Ice Skater

March 12, 1923

March 27, 2013

90

Hjalmar “Hjallis” Johan Andersen (March 12, 1923 – March 27, 2013) was a renowned Norwegian speed skater who rose to prominence in the early 1950s. He is best remembered for securing three gold medals in the 1500 meter, 5000 meter, and 10000 meter races at the 1952 Winter Olympics in Oslo, Norway, making him the most successful athlete at the Games. Throughout his career, Andersen also set multiple world records.

Andersen’s exceptional performance was not limited to the Olympics. He triumphed in three consecutive World Allround Speed Skating Championships from 1950 to 1952 and won the Norwegian Allround Speed Skating Championships six times. His outstanding accomplishments in speed skating made him one of Norway’s most beloved skaters.

Besides his speed skating career, Andersen was a talented footballer who played for the Norwegian club Frigg Oslo FK in the late 1940s. Eventually, he had to decide between the two sports, and his love for speed skating led him to retire from football.

After retiring from skating in 1952, Andersen enjoyed a prosperous career as a businessman. He passed away on March 27, 2013, leaving a legacy as one of Norway’s greatest speed skaters.