A Norwegian athlete who dominated speed skating in the 1950s, winning three Olympic gold medals and setting multiple world records. He also excelled in cycling, claiming several national titles.
Hjalmar Andersen, also known as "King Glad," is celebrated as Norway's most successful athlete at the 1952 Winter Olympic Games, where he won an unprecedented three gold medals.
Andersen was born on March 12, 1923, on the island of Rdya, off the coast of Nordland, Norway. His family moved to Trondheim when he was just a toddler, where he grew up in a working-class neighborhood that valued sports and friendship. At the age of 10, Andersen began speed skating and joined the sports club Falken, where he met fellow future champions Sverre Farstad and Henry Wahl.
Andersen, along with Farstad and Wahl, formed the Falken Trio, a group of talented speed skaters who dominated local competitions organized by the Workers Sports Federation AIF. During this time, they honed their skills, and Andersen's natural talent and dedication earned him recognition as a promising athlete.
The German occupation of Norway in 1940 forced Andersen to put his sports career on hold. At 17, he had to wait until the winter of 1946 to resume his passion for speed skating. During this period, he worked as a delivery boy in a sports store and later as a lorry driver.
In 1950, at the height of his career, Andersen opened his own sports store in Trondheim, which he ran until 1960. This entrepreneurial venture not only showcased his business acumen but also allowed him to stay connected to the sports community that had nurtured his talents.
Andersen's crowning achievement came at the 1952 Winter Olympic Games in Oslo, Norway, where he won three gold medals, making him the only triple gold medalist of the games. This remarkable feat earned him the title of "King Glad" and cemented his status as Norway's most popular sportsman.
Andersen's impact on Norwegian sports was recognized during his lifetime, with four statues erected in his honor in Trondheim, Hamar, Rdy, and outside Bislett Stadium in Oslo. He was also granted a state funeral, a rare honor reserved for national heroes.
Andersen's remarkable achievements and dedication to his craft inspired generations of Norwegian athletes. His legacy extends beyond the realm of sports, as he embodies the values of perseverance, hard work, and passion that define Norwegian culture.
"I never had a goal to be the best, but I always wanted to be better than I was yesterday." - Hjalmar Andersen
Hjalmar Andersen's remarkable journey serves as a testament to the power of determination and the importance of staying true to one's passion. As "King Glad," he will forever be remembered as a champion, an entrepreneur, and a national hero.
Born in 1904
A Norwegian speed skater who won four Olympic gold medals and set multiple world records in the 1920s and 1930s, dominating the sport during its early years.
