Charles MATHISEN

A consistent performer throughout the 1930s, Charles Mathiesen won two international titles. The first one came at the 1936 Olympics, where he surprisingly kept compatriot Ivar Ballangrud from winning all four speed skating titles by winning the 1500 m. Two years later, Mathiesen emerged victorious at the European Championships in Oslo, which featured an all-Norwegian podium. Mathiesen won an additional four championships medals, placing runner-up in the Europeans in 1936 and 1939, and third in the World Championships in 1938 and 1939. He was also on the podium at the 1940 and 1946 World Championships, which were not official events, however. In 1940, he also broke the 10,000 m world record, which was recognized. His performance in Norwegian championships earned him the title "eternal second", placing second on six occasions, and third three times. Mathiesen closed out his career in 1948, with his second Olympic appearance. It was not as memorable as the first, as he had to retire his race due to altitude-related respiratory problems and was brought to the hospital.

Personal Bests: 500 – 43.2 (1940); 1500 – 2:15.6 (1939); 5000 – 8:18.7 (1940); 10000 – 17:01.5 (1940).