Charles Mathiesen
A Norwegian speed skater who seized Olympic gold on home ice, becoming a national hero in the 1930s.
1911–1994 (age 83)·Norwegian speed skater·Birthday: February 12·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Charles Mathiesen emerged as a force in speed skating during a golden era for Norwegian athletes in the sport. His career spanned nearly two decades, but its brightest moment came at the 1936 Winter Olympics in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. There, he delivered a commanding performance in the 1500 meters, capturing the gold medal and etching his name into Norwegian sporting history. He was a consistent contender at the World and European Allround Championships, often finishing on the podium alongside other Scandinavian greats. Mathiesen's style was defined by powerful, efficient strokes and a competitive calm. His victory at the Olympics, achieved under the gaze of the world, cemented his status as one of Norway's premier winter sports figures of his generation.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Charles was born in 1911, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Charles Was Born
The biggest hits of 1911
Charles's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1911Born
Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire kills 146 in New York
President: William Howard Taft
1916Started school
The Battle of the Somme claims over a million casualties
President: Woodrow Wilson
1924Became a teenager
First Winter Olympics held in Chamonix, France
President: Calvin Coolidge"It Had to Be You" — Isham Jones
1927Could drive
Lindbergh flies solo across the Atlantic; The Jazz Singer premieres
President: Calvin Coolidge"My Blue Heaven" — Gene Austin
1929Could vote
Wall Street crashes, triggering the Great Depression
Gas: $0.21/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Singin' in the Rain" — Cliff EdwardsBest Picture: The Broadway Melody
1932Turned 21
Amelia Earhart flies solo across the Atlantic
Gas: $0.18/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Night and Day" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Grand Hotel
1941Turned 30
Pearl Harbor attack brings the US into WWII
Gas: $0.19/galHome: $3,060Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Chattanooga Choo Choo" — Glenn MillerBest Picture: How Green Was My Valley
1951Turned 40
First color TV broadcast in the US
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $7,925Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Too Young" — Nat King ColeBest Picture: An American in Paris
1961Turned 50
Yuri Gagarin becomes the first human in space
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $12,500Min wage: $1.15/hrPresident: John F. Kennedy"Tossin' and Turnin'" — Bobby LewisBest Picture: West Side Story
1971Turned 60
Voting age lowered to 18 in the US
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $18,100Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Joy to the World" — Three Dog NightBest Picture: The French Connection
1981Turned 70
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1991Turned 80
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1994Died at 83
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
Key Achievements
- Won the gold medal in the 1500 meters at the 1936 Winter Olympics in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
- Secured the silver medal at the World Allround Speed Skating Championships in 1937.
- Earned a bronze medal at the European Allround Championships in 1938.
Did You Know?
He was awarded the prestigious Egebergs Ærespris in 1936 for excellence in both speed skating and bandy.
Mathiesen worked as a policeman during his athletic career.
His brother, Ivar Mathiesen, was also a competitive speed skater.
“The ice tells no lies; your time is the only truth that matters.”
