Michael STAKSRUD

Although a world class skater for over a decade, Michael Staksrud failed to do himself justice at the Olympic Games, despite competing in 1928, 1932 and 1936. His best Olympic result was a seventh place at 5,000 metres at the 1928 Olympic Winter Games. At the time he was ill and had to withdraw from further participation in St. Moritz. Staksrud was Norwegian Champion in 1932 and 1934, European Champion in 1934 and 1937 and World Champion in 1930, 1935 and 1937. He died under tragic circumstances in November 1940. His death caused much speculation, since some of his family members were involved with the Germans, who were then occupying Norway, but apparently his death was an accident. Walking in the dark at night, he fell down a cliff and into Gjersjøen Lake. His head hit a stone and he drowned, never regaining consciousness, with his body found the next day. His elder brother Paul Staksrud, also a speed skater in his youth, was found shot to death early in 1945. He was a Nazi party member, and most probably was assassinated by the Norwegian resistance movement.

Personal Bests: 500 – 42.8 (1937); 1500 – 2:14.4 (1939); 5000 – 8:19.9 (1933); 10000 – 17:23.2 (1928).