Holmenkollen Medal
The Holmenkollen Medal is an annual honorary skiing award that has been issued by the Skiforeningen in Norway since 1895. It recognizes the outstanding achievements of skiing athletes who place at the top of international championships and at Holmenkollen Ski Festival events, as well as those who contribute to advancement of the sport of skiing. The Holmenkollen Medal is considered Norwegian skiing highest honor.
History
The Holmenkollen Medal was established by the Skiforeningen, also known as the Association for the Promotion of Skiing, in 1894. Andreas Bloch, a Norwegian artist, designed the medal. It contains the ski association's emblem and the phrase, "Idræt for fædrelandet", which means sports for the fatherland. The medal was first awarded in 1895.The board of the Skiforeningen selects the award winners. In its early years, the award was given for placement at events held during the Holmenkollen Ski Festival. In the latter part of the 20th century, the board considered results at major international ski events and at Holmonkollen. The medal is mostly awarded to active skiers in the Nordic skiing disciplines, though Alpine skiers have received the distinction. A skiing museum curator and members of the Norwegian royal family have also been among past medal recipients. Since 2011, Biathetes have received the award.
The medal is awarded during the Holmenkollen Ski Festival and may be presented to the recipient by a Norwegian monarch. There are some years in which the medal is not awarded.