Ole REISTAD

Ole Reistad was a very versatile athlete. He started playing football and cross-country running, and later engaged in ski jumping, Nordic combined and athletics. In 1916, he made his debút at the Holmenkollen, and in 1920, finished 14th in the athletic pentathlon at the Antwerp Olympics. Two years later he was the Norwegian champion in this event. For his achievements as a skier, and in athletics, he was awarded the Egebergs Ærespris in 1922. He was the Norwegian flag-bearer at the 1928 Winter Olympics in St. Moritz despite his sport, military ski patrol, only being a demonstration sport. At the 1936 Winter Olympics in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, he was the leader of the Norwegian team.

Reistad graduated from the Military Academy in 1921 and become a student at the Army Flying School. Later he worked as an instructor at this school, was also a test pilot, and between 1935-46 was chairman of the Norwegian Aero Club. In 1940, he organized the air defense operations against the Germans as a pilot and temporary commander of the Air Force, but eventually had to demobilize. He first went to Finland and later to Canada, where he volunteered to join the exiled Norwegian Air Force. There, he was appointed commander of the training camp Little Norway and was eventually promoted to lieutenant colonel. During this time, he developed plans for an invasion of occupied Norway. After liberation, he was Commander of Air Command North in Norway. He survived difficult brain tumor surgery but remained handicapped. Shortly before his death, King Haakon appointed him Commander with Star of the Order of St. Olav for his efforts for Norway.

Personal Best: Pen – 2977 (1922).