Odd Martinsen

Odd-Willy Martinsen (20 December 1942 – 27 October 2025) was a Norwegian cross-country skier who competed during the 1960s and 1970s. He won three medals at the Winter Olympics, a gold in the 4 × 10 km relay and silvers in the 30 km (1968) and the 4 × 10 km relay (1976). Martinsen won five medals at the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships, a gold in the 4 × 10 km relay (1966), a silver in the 15 km (1970), and bronzes in the 15 km (1966), 30 km (1970), and 4 × 10 km relay (1974). At the 1969 Holmenkollen ski festival, he won the 15 km race. For his cross-country skiing successes in Norway and abroad, Martinsen received the Holmenkollen medal in 1969. Thirty-two years later, his daughter, Bente Skari, received the Holmenkollen medal, making them the only father-daughter combination to ever win the prestigious honor.

Martinsen died on 27 October 2025, at the age of 82.

Cross-country skiing results All results are sourced from the International Ski Federation (FIS).

Olympic Games 3 medals – (1 gold, 2 silver) Year Age 15 km 30 km 50 km 4 × 10 km relay 1968 25 8 Silver 18 Gold 1976 33 8 9 — Silver

World Championships 5 medals – (1 gold, 1 silver, 3 bronze) Year Age 15 km 30 km 50 km 4 × 10 km relay 1966 23 Bronze — — Gold 1970 27 SilverBronze — 4 1974 31 33 — —Bronze 1978 35 27 — ——