Sten STENSEN

Sten Stensen, from Drammen, was one of the "Norwegian S'es" at the end of the 1970s, with Amund Sjøbrend, Jan Egil Storholt and Kay Arne Stenshjemmet. At the 1976 Innsbruck Olympics, Stensen won the 5,000 m. As the World Record holder he was also a favorite for the 10,000 m gold, but he was beaten by Dutchman Piet Kleine. Earlier, Stensen had won two Olympic bronze medals: in the 5,000 m and 10,000 m in 1972. During the 1976 European Championships at Bislett, Stensen set a new 10,000 m World Record, but he still lost the title to Stenshjemmet by 0.005 points; or 0.1 seconds in the 10,000 m. Kleine took the Olympic 10,000 m gold and Stensen's World Record at Innsbruck, but Stensen beat him head-to-head and reclaimed his World Record in a country match at Medeo at the end of the season. After most of the top international skaters had turned professional following the 1972 season, Stensen remained as one of the best amateur all-around skaters. He finished second in the 1973 World Championships, while winning the 1974 world title and 1975 Europeans. He had 12 distance wins in these tournaments, and 25 podium positions. After he quit speed skating, Sten Stensen kept following speed skating very closely as Norwegian Broadcasting's expert commentator on the inner lane. He was awarded the Oscar Mathisen Trophy in 1974 and 1976. Professionally, he worked as an officer in the Norwegian Army until his retirement.

Personal Bests: 500 – 39.03 (1977); 1000 – 1:23.44 (1973); 1500 – 1:58.72 (1976); 5000 – 7:05.04 (1977); 10000 – 14:38.08 (1976).