Ralf Olin

Speed Skating Athlete — Inducted 1968

Ralf Emil Olin was one of Canada’s most accomplished long-track speed skaters during the 1950s and early 1960s. Over a fourteen-year competitive career, he established himself as a national champion and record holder while representing Canada at four Olympic Games.

Born April 12, 1925, in Seattle, Washington, Olin later competed internationally for Canada and became one of the country’s premier distance skaters. His career spanned from 1952 to 1965, during which he consistently ranked among Canada’s top performers in long-track competition.

Olin represented Canada at the Winter Olympic Games in:

• 1952 — Oslo, Norway
• 1956 — Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
• 1960 — Squaw Valley, United States
• 1964 — Innsbruck, Austria

Competing across multiple Olympic cycles demonstrated both his longevity and elite-level consistency.

Domestically, Olin earned Canadian championships and set national records in the 1500 metre, 5000 metre, and 10,000 metre events. His strength in distance racing made him one of Canada’s leading skaters during a period when international speed skating was dominated by European competitors.

Through dedication and steady performance, Olin helped elevate Canadian speed skating on the world stage during the mid-20th century.

Ralf Olin passed away on May 25, 2007, in Victoria, British Columbia, at the age of 82.

Career Highlights

• 4× Olympic Winter Games Competitor (1952, 1956, 1960, 1964)
• Canadian Champion
• National Record Holder — 1500m
• National Record Holder — 5000m
• National Record Holder — 10,000m
• 1968 — Alberta Sports Hall of Fame Inductee