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Sigurd Roll

1893 – 1944

Norwegian sprinter and diplomat

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About Sigurd Roll

Lived 1893 – 1944 (aged 50). Sigurd Roll was a Norwegian diplomat and athletics competitor, known for Olympic Games.

Sigurd Emil Roll (14 October 1893 – 24 June 1944) was a Norwegian diplomat and former sprinter who was executed during the occupation of Norway by Nazi Germany. His brother William was a US diplomat.

Early life and family Roll was born in Chicago to Wilhelm Jørgen Roll (born 1864 in Asker, Norway) and Sofia Jensen (born 1868 in Asker, Norway). Roll was married in 1918, and had four children. His son Finn joined the Devil's Brigade during World War II.

Olympic athlete As an athlete he became Norwegian champion in the 400 metres event in 1917. He broke the Norwegian record this year, clocking in 50.9 seconds. He improved his own record to 50.7 seconds in 1920, but lost it to Einar Mangset the following season. He also won silver medals in the 400 metres in 1918 and 1920, He represented the sports club Kristiania IF.

Death On June 24, 1944, Roll was arrested in his office and executed at Holmenkollen Kapell (Oslo)

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Important facts

Birth century
Nationality
Known for
Olympic Games
Also known as
Sigurd Emil Roll

People in Sigurd Roll's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Sigurd Roll's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Sigurd Roll?

Norwegian sprinter and diplomat (1893-1944)

When was Sigurd Roll born?

Sigurd Roll was born on 14 October 1893 in Chicago.

When did Sigurd Roll die?

Sigurd Roll died on 24 June 1944 in Oslo, Oslo Municipality.

What was Sigurd Roll's occupation?

Sigurd Roll was a diplomat and athletics competitor.

What was Sigurd Roll known for?

Sigurd Roll was known for Olympic Games.

What nationality was Sigurd Roll?

Sigurd Roll was Norwegian.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Sigurd Roll

· Wikidata: Q15995982

· DBpedia: Sigurd Roll

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Sigurd Roll. https://biography.guide/sigurd-roll/

MLA: "Sigurd Roll." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/sigurd-roll/.

Chicago: "Sigurd Roll." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/sigurd-roll/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-22 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

Portrait: Wikimedia Commons · author & licence

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