Norwegian cross-country legend Odd Martinsen has died – “Relay-Martin” was a force at major championships

Originally published in Yle on October 27, 2025

Norwegian cross-country skiing great Odd Martinsen has died at the age of 82, the Norwegian Ski Federation announced on Monday.

Martinsen, nicknamed “Relay-Martin,” built his reputation as an exceptional relay skier and frequent opening-leg specialist thanks to his speed. He celebrated 4x10 km relay world championship gold with Norway in Oslo in 1966 and Olympic gold in Grenoble in 1968. In Oslo, Finland finished second behind Norway.

Toward the end of his career, Martinsen added more relay honors: world championship bronze in Falun in 1974 and Olympic silver in Innsbruck in 1976, where Finland won the relay. He also captured individual championship medals at 15 km and 30 km.

“For many of us who love skiing, he was a role model. We remember him with gratitude,” Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre told news agency NTB, reflecting on Martinsen’s impact.