Ivar Ballangrud was one of the most successful speed skaters in the world for a period of 15 years, from 1924 to 1939.

He would have been the favourite for winning more Olympic gold in 1932 if the races had been held in the normal European way, not the American pack-style way where all competitors are on the ice at the same time.

He made his international debut as a 19-year-old rising star in 1924, although it was too late to compete in the Winter Olympics that year.

In addition to his five official world records, Ballangrud skated 16:46.4 in a 10,000 m pack-style test race before the Olympic Games in 1932.

In retirement Ballangrud worked at his sporting good store in Drammen, and later in Trondheim.