Thorleif Schjelderup, Norwegian ski jumper and author (d. 2006)

Thorleif Schjelderup (20 January 1920 – 28 May 2006) was a remarkable Norwegian figure, celebrated for his exceptional talents across multiple domains: a pioneering ski jumper, an insightful author, and a dedicated environmentalist. His life exemplified a profound connection to both the competitive world of sport and the serene beauty of nature, leaving an indelible mark on Norwegian society.

Early Life and Influential Beginnings

Born into a family of significant societal standing, Thorleif Schjelderup was the son of Ferdinand Schjelderup and Marie Leigh Vogt. His father, Ferdinand, was a distinguished Supreme Court judge, a revered mountaineering pioneer who significantly contributed to the exploration and mapping of Norway's rugged landscapes, and a pivotal leader within the Norwegian resistance movement during the arduous years of World War II. This powerful familial background, rooted in intellectual rigor, a love for the outdoors, and unwavering national commitment, profoundly shaped Thorleif's formative years in Oslo. It was in this vibrant capital city that he first discovered and passionately pursued the sport of ski jumping, a discipline deeply embedded in Norwegian culture.

A Stellar Ski Jumping Career

Schjelderup's athletic journey was marked by early promise and significant achievements. His talent shone brightly at the prestigious Holmenkollen Ski Festival, an annual Nordic skiing event held in Oslo that is considered one of the sport's most iconic venues. He secured a commendable fourth place in 1940, followed by impressive second-place finishes in both 1946 and 1948, demonstrating consistent high performance amidst fierce competition.

The year 1948 proved particularly momentous for Schjelderup. While simultaneously pursuing his academic ambitions, he achieved significant athletic recognition, earning bronze medals at both the national championships and the 1948 Winter Olympics in St. Moritz, Switzerland. This dual success underscored his dedication and versatility, as he also successfully graduated with a law degree from the University of Oslo that same year.

A truly historic moment in his career, and indeed in Norwegian ski jumping, occurred on 15 March 1950 in Planica, Yugoslavia (now Slovenia), a site renowned globally as "the cradle of ski flying" for its history of record-breaking jumps. On this day, Thorleif Schjelderup etched his name into the annals of sports history by becoming the first Norwegian athlete to break the mythical 100-meter barrier in ski jumping, soaring an incredible 106 meters. This achievement was a monumental leap forward for the sport in Norway, signifying a new era of longer distances and higher aspirations.

Transition to Coaching and Mentorship

After a distinguished competitive career, Schjelderup retired from active ski jumping in 1953. However, his passion for the sport remained undiminished, leading him to transition into a coaching role. He dedicated several years to nurturing new talent and refining techniques, first serving as a coach for the Italian national ski jumping team from 1953 to 1956, and subsequently guiding the Norwegian national team from 1956 to 1962. His expertise and experience were invaluable in shaping the next generation of ski jumpers, passing on the knowledge he had gained from years at the sport's pinnacle.

A Legacy in Literature, Photography, and Environmentalism

Beyond his prowess in ski jumping, Thorleif Schjelderup cultivated a profound public identity as an eloquent author, a keen photographer, and a passionate environmentalist. He crisscrossed Norway, using his platform to ardently promote outdoor activities and foster a deeper appreciation for the country's unparalleled natural beauty. This advocacy was a natural extension of his own lifelong connection to the Norwegian landscape, instilled from childhood.

His literary output comprised ten books, primarily focusing on the intertwined themes of ski jumping and nature. These works not only documented the technical intricacies and thrill of his sport but also conveyed his deep reverence for the environment. A particularly significant contribution was his 1973 publication, which holds the distinction of being the first Norwegian textbook on environmentalism specifically designed for elementary school children. This pioneering effort demonstrated his foresight and commitment to instilling environmental awareness from an early age, cementing his status as a key figure in Norway's emerging environmental movement.

Personal Life and Relationships

Thorleif Schjelderup's personal life was as rich and varied as his professional endeavors. From 1942 to 1947, he was married to Sossen Krohg, a notable Norwegian actress and playwright. In 1948, he met the celebrated African-American singer Anne Brown, renowned for her iconic role as Bess in the original Broadway production of George Gershwin's opera *Porgy and Bess*. Anne Brown subsequently moved to Oslo, where the couple eventually married, bridging cultures and continents through their union. Following their separation in 1969, Schjelderup shared his life with Ranveig Eckhoff, a talented musical actress and singer, until 1985. During several of these years, they resided in Stockholm, Sweden, further adding to the diverse tapestry of his life experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thorleif Schjelderup

What were Thorleif Schjelderup's primary achievements in ski jumping?
Thorleif Schjelderup achieved significant success in ski jumping, notably securing second place at the Holmenkollen Ski Festival in both 1946 and 1948. He also won bronze medals at the 1948 Winter Olympics in St. Moritz and the national championships in the same year. A historical milestone was his 106-meter jump in Planica in 1950, making him the first Norwegian to break the 100-meter barrier.
How did Thorleif Schjelderup contribute to environmentalism?
Beyond his athletic career, Thorleif Schjelderup was a dedicated environmentalist. He authored several books on nature and famously published the first Norwegian textbook on environmentalism for elementary school children in 1973, playing a pivotal role in promoting ecological awareness and outdoor activities in Norway.
Was Thorleif Schjelderup also a coach?
Yes, after retiring from competitive ski jumping in 1953, Thorleif Schjelderup transitioned into coaching. He coached the Italian national ski jumping team from 1953 to 1956 and subsequently the Norwegian national team from 1956 to 1962, sharing his extensive knowledge and experience with aspiring athletes.
Who were Thorleif Schjelderup's notable spouses?
Thorleif Schjelderup was married to the Norwegian actress and playwright Sossen Krohg (1942–1947). He later married the renowned African-American singer Anne Brown (from 1948), famous for her role as Bess in *Porgy and Bess*. After their separation, he lived with musical actress and singer Ranveig Eckhoff until 1985.
What was the significance of his father, Ferdinand Schjelderup?
Thorleif's father, Ferdinand Schjelderup, was a highly influential figure. He served as a Supreme Court judge, was a celebrated mountaineering pioneer, and played a crucial leadership role in the Norwegian resistance movement during World War II, providing a strong foundation of intellectual and patriotic values for Thorleif's upbringing.