Richard SOLEM

Buddy Solem grew up in the Chicago Public School system, and competed for the Chicago CYO at the 1948 Winter Olympics. He was coached by his father, Earl Solem, who was at one time President of the Illinois Skating Association. A long-distance specialist, Solem competed in the 5 and 10K in St. Moritz. Unfortunately in the 10K he was off in one of the last pairs, and warm sun had melted the ice by then. Several skaters dropped out, and others refused to start, but Solem gamely hung on to finish the race, although his time of 26:22.4 gives him the ignominious honor of posting the slowest time ever in the Olympics 10K.

Personal Bests: 500 – 45.5 (1948); 1500 – 2:33.2 (1950); 5000 – 9:02.9 (1948); 10000 – 26:22.4 (1948).