Axel Paulsen (16 September 1855 – 25 June 1938) was a Norwegian athlete renowned for his achievements in both speed skating and figure skating. He is best known for inventing the Axel jump, a forward‑taking off jump that remains a fundamental element in modern figure skating.
Early life and background
Born in Christiania (now Oslo), Norway, Paulsen began skating at a young age. He trained in both speed and figure skating disciplines, which were developing as organized sports in Scandinavia during the late 19th century.
Speed skating career
Paulsen achieved international prominence in speed skating. In 1882, he won the inaugural World Speed Skating Championships held in Oslo, establishing himself as one of the leading speed skaters of his era. He set several notable times over the standard distances of ½ mile, 1 mile, and 2 miles, contributing to the early competitive standards of the sport.
Figure skating career
In figure skating, Paulsen distinguished himself through technical innovation. At the 1882 International Skating Competition in Oslo, he performed a forward‑taking off jump that rotated one and a half times in the air. This jump later became known as the “Axel” and is distinguished by its forward take‑off and extra half‑turn compared with other jumps. The Axel jump has since become a required element in competitive figure skating and is often the first jump attempted in a program.
Legacy
Axel Paulsen’s contributions have had a lasting impact on both disciplines. The Axel jump remains a benchmark of technical proficiency in figure skating, and his early successes in speed skating helped popularize the sport in Norway and Europe. He is commemorated in Norway through various skating clubs and historical references to his pioneering role.
Personal life and death
Paulsen lived most of his life in Oslo, where he remained involved in skating circles as a coach and mentor after his competitive career ended. He died on 25 June 1938 in Oslo at the age of 82.