One of Norway's most famous sports stars, speed skater Hjalmar "Hjallis" Andersen has died, at the age of 90. He made his international debut at the 1948 Winter Olympic Games at St.Moritz, Switzerland.
At the Winter Games in Oslo in 1952, "Hjallis" won three gold medals, in the 1500m race, as well as in the 5,000m and the 10,000m.
Andersen was considered the world's best skater in the years 1950 to 1952, and in these three years he became World Champion Allround, as well as European Allround Champion and Norwegian Allround Champion, in addition to his Olympic medals.
He was also an accomplished cyclist at national level, and in 1951 he was awarded the Honorary Egeberg Prize for his achievments in skating and cycling.
After he retired from the sport, he worked for many years in the Welfare Service for the Norwegian Merchant Marine, until he reached retirement age in 1990.
Andersen early received the nickname "Kong Glad" (King Glad) for always being in good spirits with a smile on his lips.
(NRK/Wikipeda) Picture Aftenposten NTB/SCANPIX
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