AT THE HALL

View or Purchase Photos from the 2008 Induction Ceremonies
Idaho Sports Photography is the official photographer of the 2008 Induction Ceremonies. With every photo purchased, ISP will make a contribution to the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame.

View or Purchase Photos Now!

Become a Friend of the Hall Today
Learn more

Make a tax-deductible gift to the Hall now!

partners

Select a logo above to view our partner's web sites. (Requires Flash or ActiveX.)

image: Johann Koss

Johann Olav Koss

Back to Inductees page

Inducted: 2001
Induction Class: Johann Koss (Speed Skating), Andrea Jaeger (Tennis), A.C. Green (Basketball)
Sport: Olympic Games (Long Track Speedskating)
Years Active: 1987-1994
Born: Oct. 29, 1968
Birthplace: Drammen, Norway
Community Focus: Overseas Aid and Sports & Recreation
Foundation: Right to Play

Johann Olav Koss, winner of three long track speedskating gold medals at the 1994 Olympics in Lillehammer and founder of the international philanthropic group Right to Play was inducted into the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame as a part of the Class of 2001, which included basketball star A.C. Green and tennis great Andrea Jaeger.

Norwegian Johann Olav Koss is regarded as one of the greatest speed skaters in history. Koss worked his way up from national to international competition before making his Olympic debut at the Albertville Games in 1992. Having just recovered from pancreatic surgery, he went on to claim gold in the 1,500 meters and silver in the 10,000m. Two years later, at the Olympic Games in Lillehammer, Koss captured three gold medals in the 1,500m, 5,000m, and 10,000m.

After retiring from competitive skating, Koss became an ambassador for UNICEF (United Nation’s Children’s Fund). He went on to found Right to Play, the international philanthropic organization which uses sports to reach out to impoverished parts of the world Today Koss is the President and CEO of Right to Play.