Denmark and Olympism. President in office: Ivar Vind*. Secretary General in office: Harald DENMARK. Role of the DOK

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1 Denmark and Olympism DENMARK To support financially the efforts of the different federations to im- prove the standard of their Olympic candidates; To arrange and pay for Danish participation in the Olympic Games, Sessions of the International Olympic Academy and Olympic youth camps. 2,219,442 square kilometres (Denmark: 43,043 sq. kms.; Greenland: 2,175,000 sq. kms.; Faeroe Islands: 1,399 sq. kms.). 5,141,601 inhabitants (Denmark: 5,054, ; Greenland: 48, ; Faeroe Islands: 38, ). Role of the DOK Apart from the DOK, there are four independent organisations which together with the DOK form a council, the work of which is based on co-operation concerning sport in general, e.g. negotiations with authorities, and does not in any way interfere with the sovereignty and independence of the DOK. Creation and development DANMARKS OLYMPISKE KOMITE (DOK) Founded on 29th October Recognised by the IOC in President in office: Ivar Vind*. Secretary General in office: Harald Jespersen*. Address: Idraettens Hus, Brøndby Stadion 20, 2600 Glostrup. Telephone: (02) Telex: Idraet DK. * See biographical notes. Danish personalities took part in the birth of modern Olympism. In 1894, a member of the Danish Parliament, Frederick Bajer, was an honorary member of the International Congress in Paris for the re-establishment of the Olympic Games. In 1896 several Danes went to Athens for the celebration of the 1st Olympiad. In 1899, Captain N. V. S. Holbek* became the first IOC member for Denmark. Increasingly devoted and convincing, he applied himself to spreading Coubertin s doctrine. Several years later, in 1905, under the leadership of Fritz Hansen*, an NOC was formed with the aim of organising the participation of a delegation at the 1st Intermediary Games in Athens in Although supported by Holbek*, this 488

2 committee influenced by the Greek leaders tried to avoid all contact with the IOC. However, when Holbek* decided to resign from the IOC, he recommended Fritz Hansen* as the best successor. Nevertheless, Captain Torben Grut*, a former A.D.C. to HM King Christian IX and Chief of Staff to the Engineer Corps, considered to be more independent, joined the IOC in It was not until 1912 that Colonel Fritz Hansen*, pioneer of Danish sport and highly regarded abroad, President of the powerful Dansk Idraets Forbund (Danish Sports Association) which combined all sports activities in the country, became an IOC member. Holbek s forecast revealed to Coubertin in 1906: by assuring Hansen s presence you will win the whole of Denmark over to Olympism later proved true. Until his death in 1921, he was one of the most enthusiastic and remarkable international leaders. Strong and competent personalities have since followed to carry on the leadership of Danish sport; for example as IOC members: HRH Prince Axel*, IOC Executive Board member, Ivar Nyholm*, Ivar Vind*, IOC Executive Board member from 1963 to 1967, current President of the Commission for the International Olympic Academy, and whose work and devotion to the Olympic movement are constantly in evidence. First Board of the DOK PT: Fritz Hansen*, Captain; SG: Ivar Nyholm*, Director; T: F. A. Lorch, Titular State Councillor; Ms: R. Bondo Captain, G. F. Bock, Titular State Councillor, C. Michelsen, jeweller by appointment to HM the King, H. C. V. Møller, harbour master builder, B. Thalbitzer, Consul General. At that time, the DOK included the federations of cycling, fencing, football, gymnastics, rowing, swimming, athletics and wrestling. N.V.S. Holbek IOC members for Denmark Fritz Hansen 1. Colonel N. V. S. Holbek*, from 1899 to Captain Torben Grut*, from 1906 to Lieutenant-Colonel Fritz Hansen*, from 1912 to Ivar Nyholm*, from 1922 to HRH Prince Axel of Denmark*, from 1932 to 1958, Executive Board member from 1952 to 1956, honorary member from 1958 until his death in Ivar E. Vind*, since 1959, Executive Board member from 1963 to Successive Presidents of the DOK : Fritz Hansen* : H. C. V. Møller : Holten F. Castenschiold* : Carl Carstensen* : Svend Langkjaer : Poul Ingholt* : Leo Frederiksen* : Gudmund Schack*. Since 1973: Ivar Vind*. * See biographical notes. 489

3 DENMARK AND THE OLYMPIC GAMES Date of first participation: 1896 Among the thirteen delegations present at the 1st Olympic Games of the modern era in Athens appeared Denmark. Since then, Danish attendance has been noted at each of the following Games, except in On the other hand, very few Danish sportsmen have participated in the Winter Games. Danish Olympic medallists The list of Olympic winners of Danish nationality starts with two outstanding sportsmen. In 1896, Viggo Jensen won the Olympic (all categories) weightlifting title, and also came second in one hand lift weightlifting, second in free pistol shooting, third in military rifle shooting at 300 m., and fourth in rope climbing. At these Games, his fellow countryman Holger Nielsen came third twicein rifle shooting and epee fencing. Four years later, the marksman Lars Jörgen Madsen obtained his first Olympic title, a triumph he was to repeat twenty years later at Antwerp The delegation of Denmark. 490

4 Eugen Schmidt, Holger Nielsen and the first Danish Olympic champion, Viggo Jansen. Danish Gymnastic Displays at the Olympic Games Over the years, Denmark has on several occasions had gymnastic display teams, both male and female, at the Olympic Games - firstly, in London in 1908 with male and female teams and then in 1912 in Stockholm with a male team of 320 gymnasts and a female team of 150 gymnasts. In 1920 in Antwerp a performance was given by a female team and in Berlin in 1936 by a mixed team under the direction of Niels Bukh, the well-known Danish gymnastics pedagogue. In 1952 in Helsinki Denmark participated with two big display teams of 150 gymnasts each. This was Denmark s last official participation with display teams, but Danish women and men gave a further performance in an Olympic stadium in Mexico City, where a touring Danish formation was given the possibility by the organisers of performing as guests in connection with the closing ceremony of the 1968 Games. WINNERS IN THE ART COMPETITIONS Literature Josef Petersen was awarded second place in 1924 for Euryale, in 1934 for The Argonauts and in 1948 for The Olympic Champion. Architecture Ejnar Mindebal-Rasmussen came second in 1928 in the sports construction category for his design of a swimming pool at Ollerup. In the town planning section, Jens Honmoller-Klemmensen took second place for his design of a stadium and public park. Sculpture rd: Jean Gauguin for The Boxer. Music rd: Rudolf Simonsen for his Symphony No. 2 Hellas rd: Johann Weltzer for his lyrical work Heroic Symphony rd: Erling Brone for his orchestral composition Vigour. 491

5 Representation of Denmark at the Olympic Games from 1896 to x x (4) 10(2) 7(3) 9(3) (6) (1) (3) (1) O(2) 15 6(1) 12(3) (1) 2 6(2) 1(1) (4) (2) (2) (2) (2) (1) (3) (1) 13 3(2) 6(1) ¹ The figures in brackets represent the number of women included in the first figure. x Sport included in the programme but in which no event was contested. ² Demonstration Sport. Not included on the programme. 492

6 Representation of Denmark at the Winter Games from 1948 to Figure skating: 2; Figure skating: 1; Speed skating: 1; Speed skating: 1, skiing: 1; Skiing: 3(1) x (2) (2) (3) (7) (6) (8) (3) 24(6) (13) (16) (6) (16) (8) (15) (2) (6) (6) (12) (3) (7) (1) (4) (3) 4 7 4(2) (12) Tennis: 10 (1) in 1912, 3 (1) in 1920, 5 (1) in ² demonstration: badminton ( man, 1 woman). Gymnastics display: 60 (24) in 1908, 470 (150) in 1912, 18 (18) in 1920, 40 (20) in 1936, 300 (150) in

7 The Danish Olympic Champions Titles obtained at the Olympic Games *The names in heavy print indicate that the champion in question will be mentioned again later on. *We would like to thank in advance all readers able to help us complete this table, and give us news of all the champions. Name Christian Name Sport Event Jensen Viggo Weightlifting All categories Madsen Lars Jörgen Shooting Military rifle (standing) Petersen Carl F. Rowing Coxed fours, Möller Carl M. A. inriggers Hansen Christian J. Allert Ejlert A. E. Hartmann Poul R. Johnsen Vermehren Robert Knud Gymnastics Team free system Möller Petersen Olsen Christian Steen Lerche Albertssen Georg Juhl Christian Dibbern Viggo Holm Harry Frandsen Aage Rönne Stig Lange Vilhelm Marcussen Peter Hellsteen Hugo Jansson Harold Meulengracht Svend Sörensen Harry Möller Peter Turin Niels Andersen Karl Thomas Christian The team of gymnastic. Madsen Lars Jörgen Shooting Team military Saetter-Lassen Erik rifle, 300 m Nielsen Anders Peter standing Petersen Anders Marius Larsen Niels Hansen Ditlev Fryland-Clausen Stefani Swimming W. Platform diving Nielsen Hans Boxing Lightweight Osiier Ellen Fencing W. Foil 494

8 Year Birth Death Notes Ellen Osiier Besides his two Olympic titles won at twenty years interval (1900, 1920), he also gained one silver and one bronze medal in 1912 and a silver medal in rd in 1912 in team free system 1898 Fritz Hansen Stefani Fryland-Clausen Was also an Olympic medallist in Medallist in 1912 (3rd twice), 1920 (1st and 2nd) and 1924 (3rd)

9 Name Christian Name Sport Event Falck-Hansen Willy Cycling 1000 m time trial Hansen Henry Road race Hansen Henry Team road race Nielsen Leo Jörgensen Orla Hoff Karen Canoeing W. K1 Pedersen Finn Rowing Coxed pairs Henriksen Tage Andersen Carl Ebbe Harup Karen Margrete Swimming W. 100 m backstroke Andersen Greta 100 m freestyle Elvstrøm Paul Yachting Firefly Haunstoft Finn Canoeing C2 Rasch Peter Bent Elvstrøm Paul Yachting Finn Elvstrøm Paul Elvstrøm Paul Hansen Erik Canoeing K1 Petersen Erik Rowing Coxless fours Hansen John Ørsted Helmudt Kurt Hasløv Bjørn B. Berntsen Ole Valdemar H. Yachting Dragon Von Bülow Christian R. Poulsen Ole Frey Mogens Cycling Team pursuit Asmussen Gunnar Olsen Reno B. Jørgensen Per Lyngemark Fredborg Niels Cycling 1,000 m time trial 496

10 Year Birth Death Notes nd in tandem in 1924 and 3rd in sprint in nd in nd in Asmussen, Olsen, Lyngemark, Jensen 2nd in 400 m freestyle and in 4 x 100 m relay 2nd in 4 x 100 m relay The most famous Olympic yachtsman Paul Elvstrøm Henry Hensen Winning his fourth consecutive solo victory Came 3rd in Karen Margrete Harup 3rd in 1948 and 2nd in nd in nd in individual pursuit Came 2nd in

11 The Board of the Danish Olympic Committee. From the left: F.A. Hansen, Treapersen, Secretary General; Karl Eilersen, Chairman of the Sports Commission; Preben Z. surer; Mrs. Nina Velin; Kurt Møller, Vice-President; lvar Vind, President; Harald Jes- Jensen. PRESENT ORGANISATION OF THE DOK The statutes at present governing the DOK came into force on 24th May Federations affiliated to the DOK 25 Olympic federations Athletics Rowing Basketball Boxing Canoeing Cycling Equestrian Fencing Football Gymnastics Weightlifting Handball Hockey Judo Wrestling Swimming Modern pentathlon Shooting Archery Volleyball Yachting Walking Ice hockey Skating Skiing 498 Creation Composition: The DOK is made up of two representatives of each national federation with sports on the Olympic programme, three representatives of each of the three leading sports organisations in Denmark (see Sport in Affiliation to the IF Members in

12 Denmark ), and three private members elected by the General Assembly. The General Assembly, the supreme authority, meets twice a year: in May when decisions are made, and in November (informative meeting). The Executive Committee, in charge of daily management and responsible to the General Assembly, is composed of seven members: the IOC member for Denmark, the President of the Danish Sports Association, the Chairman of the Sports Commission, elected by the General Assembly for four years, and four members, elected by the General Assembly for four years. The Sports Commission supervises the qualifications of the Olympic candidates, and in co-operation with the respective federations recommends competitors for the Games to the Executive Committee. Members of the present Executive Committee PT: Mr. lvar E. Vind*, IOC member; VPT: Mr. Kurt Møller, President of the Danish Sports Association; SG: Mr. Harald Jespersen*; Chairman of Sports Comm.: Mr. Karl Eilersen; T: Mr. F. Aa Hansen; MS: Mrs. Nina Velin, Mr. Preben Z. Jensen. Financing of the DOK The DOK is mainly financed through profits made from football poolsthe entire profits from one round every second year are allotted to the Committee tax free. In addition, the Committee receives various donations from large companies in Denmark. Olympic Day To date, this has not been celebrated in Denmark. Olympic Awards obtained Olympic Cup By the Dansk ldraets Forbund (Danish Sports Association) which became the governing body of Danish sport under the presidencies of Captain Fritz Hansen* and Colonel N.V.S. Holbek*. Olympic Diploma of Merit By Ivan Osiier, 21st holder in 1950, for his participation in fencing in seven Olympic Games (1908, 1912, 1920, 1924, 1928, 1932 and 1948). By HRH Prince Axel of Denmark, 38th holder in 1961, thus becoming one of the few IOC members to receive this honour. Prix de la Reconnaissance Olympique By Mr. Gudmund Schack*, President of the DOK for eight years ( ) and a leading sports personality for more than forty years. Lord Killanin and Mr. Gudmund Schack. THE DOK AND OLYMPISM IOC Sessions held in Denmark 1950: Session in Copenhagen. *See biographical notes. 499

13 From the left: Mr. Gudmund Schack, lvar Vind, HRH Prince Axel and Leo Frederiksen. Protection of the Olympic emblems The Olympic emblems are fully protected in Denmark by listing in the trademark register, and cannot be used without permission from the DOK. If used without permission, the Committee canaccording to the law take up legal proceedings. International Olympic Academy Since 1964, the DOK has been represented at all the IOA s annual Sessions. Furthermore, the President of the DOK, Mr. lvar Vind*, presides the IOC Commission for the International Olympic Academy. Publications of the DOK The DOK does not itself issue any publications, but is given space in the monthly magazine produced by the Danish Sports Association. Written in Danish, 10,000 copies are printed and distributed to all Danish sports clubs, other leading sports bodies, newspapers, etc. Danish Olympic Bibliography After the closing of each Olympic Games, well-known Danish editors issue a book with summaries and articles on particular events of the Games. All these books are published in Danish. SPORT IN DENMARK Other sports governing bodies The Danish Sports Association comprises all Danish sports federations, 45 in all, affiliated to the International Federations (Olympic and non-olympic), representing some 6,800 clubs with about 1 million active members. The organisation represents sports at all levelscompetitive as well as noncompetitive. The Danish Rifle, Gymnastics and Athletics Association is made up of clubs of the most common sports, mainly however gymnastics, shooting and athletics. These clubs tend to practise their sports for the exercise, but some competitions are held at national level. The organisation has no connection with the International Federations, and has 2,400 clubs with about 600,000 members. The Danish Gymnastics and Youth Association includes 1,700 clubs with about 560,000 members, and its activities are similar to those of the DRGAA, though besides sports it also organises a number of cultural events (folk dances, etc.). The Danish Trade Sports Association comprises 3,100 clubs with about 150,000 members. These clubs are all connected to commercial firms, with sports programmes that include the common sports, practised mainly for physical fitness. State aid for the sports movement The Danish state does not give direct aid to the DOK, but has in an indirect way shown its benevolant attitude by not levying taxes on the special football pools round which is held every second year, so the whole profit goes to the Committee. Neither does the state support the sports federations or individual athletes. 500

14 The Danish sports organisations mentioned above are financially supported in the main through a part of the profits from the Danish football pools, and through the organisations the federations receive part of these funds to finance their activities. In addition, clubs are often assisted financially by their local communities. Formation of sports leaders As previously mentioned, sport in Denmark is organised by four large associations comprising about 14,000 clubs. The number of leaders in the clubs and organisations is about 80,000 of whom at least 95% are unpaid voluntary leaders. A few of these have had long-term theoretical education but have acquired most of their knowledge from short courses which the four organisations arrange continuously with expert instructors. In addition, some are educated in folk high schools, of which many are physical training colleges, and about 1000 leaders are trained yearly in courses lasting from five to eight months. There is also a continuous professional education of council school physical training masters who also work in sports clubs. At university there are faculties where students on an academic level get a practical and theoretical education. Sport at school In Danish council schools physical education is not given much prominenceon average only two lessons per week, which is much criticised by both sports leaders and doctors, as it is found that the physical education of children is inadequate. A number of extra-curricular games are arranged and supervised by the physical training teachers. Sports installations Detailed statistics of installations are not available, but in general almost all towns and villages have football fields and all schools have gymnasia which are used for gymnastics as well as other indoor sports (handball, badminton, etc.). In recent years a large number of sports centres have been built, often by using club members as voluntary, unpaid manpower. In most towns and cities there are regular stadiamainly municipal with facilities for nearly all games (football fields, sports halls, swimming pools, shooting venues, areas for athletics, tennis courts, etc.). Sports which draw the biggest crowds Football, handball, boxing and badminton. Sports experiencing the greatest developments Equestrian, basketball and volleyball, although they have not attained the level (number of members) of the biggest sports in Denmark. DANES AND THE INTERNATIONAL SPORTS FEDERATIONS The international reputation of Danish sports leaders was established very early on: Paul Wulff was one of the founders of the International Canoe Federation which he presided between 1925 and 1928; the current Secretary General of the DOK, Harald Jespersen*, also presided this federation from 1950 to 1954 having been its Vice- President since L. Østrup and Ebbe Schwartz occupied the vice-presidency of the Fédération lnternationale de Football Association, 501

15 the former from 1921 to 1927 and the Olympic Games from 1928 to He latter from 1962 to 1964, having presi- died in ded the Union Européenne de Football Association from 1954 to Holten F. Castenschiold Messrs. Vagn Jensen ( ) and F. A. Hansen ( ) were Vice- President of the DOK from 1923 to Presidents of the Fédération Interna tionale des Sociétés d Aviron (rowing). Born in Major General and Cham- Among the present leaders, let us berlain. President of the Danish Sports mention: Mr. A. Fredslund Pedersen, Association ( ), President of Treasurer of the International Handball the National Modern Pentathlon Feder- Federation (1972), Poul H. Glesner, ation ( ), co-founder of the Chairman of the Permanent Pistol Com- Danish Military Sports Association mittee of the Union lnternationale de which he presided from He Tir (shooting) (1974) and Vice-Presi- died in dent of the European Shooting Confederation (1969), Mr. Palle Lassen, Leo Frederiksen Chairman of the Walking Committee of the International Amateur Athletic Fe- President of the DOK from 1957 to deration (1972), Mr. Frede Borre, Hono rary Treasurer of the European Swimm- Born in Barrister, President of ing League, and Mr. A. Dahl Engel- the Danish Football Federation from brechtsen, Vice-President of the Union 1940 to 1947, President of the Danish Européenne de Football Association Sports Association from 1947 to (1970). He made great efforts to have football pools introduced with the aim of assuring a major source of revenue for the development of sport. He died in BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES HRH Prince Axel of Denmark Captain Torben Grut IOC member for Denmark from 1932 IOC member from 1906 until his resito 1958, Executive Board member from gnation in to 1956, honorary member until his death in Born in Aide-de-camp to King Christian IX and Chief of Staff to the A firm defender of amateur sport, he Engineer Corps. He supporter Fritz gave his powerful support to the cause Hansen s effort to develop Danish sport of sport both at national and interna- whilst assuring a better understanding tional level. Respected by everyone, he of Olympism in the kingdom. He died was awarded the Olympic Diploma of in Merit in 1963, although this distinction is rarely attributed to IOC members. Member of the DOK Executive Commit- Colonel Fritz Hansen tee from 1932 to IOC member from 1912 until his death in Carl Carstensen Born in Member of the Greco- Danish Society, dedicated sportsman. President of the DOK from 1925 to Following the 1905 Olympic Congress, he became one of the most ardent Born in Admiral, he was the main supporters of the internationalisation instigator of Danish participation at the of sport. President of the DOK from 502

16 1905 to 1920, President of the Danish Sports Association from 1901 to Was very active in spreading and organising sport in Denmark and for Nordic co-operation in sport. Colonel N. V. S. Holbek First IOC member for Denmark from 1899 until his resignation in Born in Chief of the Army Military Academy, President of the Danish Sports Association ( ). Put all his efforts into promoting Nordic and European co-operation in sport. He died in Poul lngholt President of the DOK from 1946 to Born in Bank Director. A great expansion in sport took place during his years as President of the NOC. He was Chairman for many years of Hermes, one of the biggest swimming and gymnastic clubs in Denmark, and President of the Danish Swimming and Life Saving Federation. He died in Harald Jespersen Current Secretary General of the DOK. Born on 13th September Member of the DOK since Danish canoekayak champion in 1935, 1936 and Coach and head of the Danish canoe-kayak team at the 1948, 1952 and 1956 Olympic Games. Chef de mission at the 1960 and 1964 Olympic Games. President of the International Canoe Federation (1950 to 1954) having been Vice-President from 1948 to lvar Nyholm IOC member from 1922 to First Secretary General of the 1st DOK in In 1922 he succeeded Fritz Hansen at the IOC and until 1931 was one of the most faithful participants at IOC Sessions. Elected Vice-President of the DOK in Gudmund Schack President of the DOK from 1965 to Born in Wholesale dealer. An accomplished sportsman. Presided the Academical Rowing Club from 1937 to President of the Danish Sports Association from 1962 to 1969, President of the Board of the Sports Installations in Copenhagen ( ). As an ardent supporter of the Olympic idea, he was presented with the Prix de la Reconnaissance Olympique in 1972, the first person to receive this honour. lvar Vind IOC member since 1959, Executive Board member from 1963 to 1967, President of the DOK since Born on 5th January Chamberlain and Master of the Royal Hunt. Danish high jump champion (1943 and ), Danish record holder in this discipline from 1947 to 1962, inter varsity (Oxford and Cambridge) record holder from 1947 to 1960, gold medal for high jump at the World University Championships in Paris (1947). From his entry to the IOC, in spite of his young age, he became one of the most active of Olympic leaders. His presence in various commissions was always an assurance of efficiency. He has been presiding the Commission for the International Olympic Academy since 1967 and has been newly appointed Presiden of the Eligibility Commission after being a member since He has also worked on the Commission for Olympic Aid ( ), for Amateurism ( ) and presided the Coordination and Supervising Committee for IOC/NOC Relations ( ). 503