Erik JOHNSEN

Norway had a very disappointing time at the Calgary Olympics and for the first time ever at the Winter Olympics, did not win a gold medal. From the three silver medals won, one of them was a big surprise when the 22-year old Erik Johnsen from Romsås in Oslo came second on the big hill, only beaten by the famous Finn Matti Nykänen. Johnsen was also a member of the Norwegian team that won the team bronze medal at Calgary. Johnsen’s best year was indeed 1988, as he also won the Norwegian Championship in the big hill and had two World Cup wins, the last at Holmenkollen at the end of the season.

In 1989 the V-style became dominant, and Johnsen was never able to adapt to the new technique. He continued to compete three more seasons without success, and ended his career placing 45th at Holmenkollen in 1991. Erik Johnsen was also a decent footballer, playing several seasons in the Norwegian third league level.