Birger Ruud facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Birger Ruud |
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Birger Ruud in 1936
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| Country |  Norway |
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| Born | 23 August 1911 Kongsberg, Norway |
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| Died | 13 June 1998 (aged 86) Kongsberg, Norway |
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| Personal best | 92 m (302 ft) Planica, Yugoslavia (25 March 1934) |
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Medal record
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Birger Ruud (born August 23, 1911 – died June 13, 1998) was a famous Norwegian ski jumper and alpine skier. He is known as one of the greatest ski jumpers of all time.
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Birger Ruud's Amazing Ski Career
Birger Ruud was born in Kongsberg, Norway. He and his brothers, Sigmund and Asbjørn, were incredibly good at ski jumping in the 1930s. They were so good that they were known all over the world!
Birger won three world championships in ski jumping. He took home gold medals in 1931, 1935, and 1937.
Olympic Gold Medals
Birger Ruud also won two Olympic gold medals in ski jumping. He won at the 1932 Lake Placid Games and again at the 1936 Garmisch-Partenkirchen Games. He was the first ski jumper ever to win two Olympic gold medals in a row!
He wasn't just great at ski jumping. Birger was also a skilled alpine skier. He won a bronze medal in the combined event at the 1935 world championships. This shows he was talented in different types of skiing.
In 1934, Birger won the famous Holmenkollen ski jumping competition. In 1937, he received the Holmenkollen medal. This is a very special award for skiers in Norway. He shared it with Olaf Hoffsbakken and Martin P. Vangsli.
Bravery During Wartime
During World War II, when Norway was occupied, Birger Ruud showed great courage. He was held captive for standing up for what he believed was right. After he was released, he joined the Norwegian resistance movement. This group worked secretly to help their country.
Even after the war, Birger continued to amaze people. At 36 years old, he competed in the 1948 Olympics. He was actually there as an assistant coach, but he ended up winning a silver medal in ski jumping! This was a huge achievement. It made him the first ski jumper to win medals in three different Olympic Games. He was very proud of this accomplishment.
Setting World Records
Birger Ruud set two world records in ski jumping during his career. In 1931, he jumped 76.5 meters (about 251 feet) at Odnesbakken. Then, in 1934, he jumped an incredible 92 meters (about 302 feet) in Planica. These were amazing distances for his time!
Later Life and Legacy
Later in his life, Birger Ruud helped create the Kongsberg Skiing Museum. He worked on this project with his friend Petter Hugsted, who won a gold medal in ski jumping in 1948.
In 1987, a bronze statue of Birger Ruud was placed in his hometown of Kongsberg. It was made by the Norwegian artist Per Ung. In 1991, Birger received the Egebergs Ærespris. This award honors athletes who excel in more than one sport.
Birger Ruud was chosen to light the Olympic Flame at the 1994 Lillehammer Olympics in Norway. This is a great honor. However, he had to withdraw at the last minute due to heart problems. He passed away in 1998 at the age of 86. Birger Ruud will always be remembered as a true legend in skiing.
