For Amund Sjøbrend · 19d ago
I keep trying to remember where I even first saw Norwegian speed skating on television, it must have been one of those winter broadcasts in the early eighties, my father liked the sport for some reason none of us ever understood, and I remember the announcer saying something about the four S's like it was a chess opening or a law firm. I didn't know who was who then, I just remember the ice at Bislett looked so white and the crowd sounded like it was underwater. Anyway I read today that one of them, Sjøbrend, just died at 73, and it sent me down a strange little rabbit hole this afternoon looking up 1981 world championships instead of doing my actual work. Funny how a sport you don't even follow can still hold a piece of your childhood. Edit: it was Lake Placid coverage I think, not sure now, doesn't matter I suppose.
