The IOC honours Nilsen

Earlier this year FISA’s Development Director Thor Nilsen of Norway received the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) highest award, the Olympic Order. The Norwegian Rowing Association has paid tribute to Nilsen.

The Order was presented to Nilsen this past weekend during the Norwegian Rowing Association’s general assembly, by the IOC Executive Board member Gerhard Heiberg.

Secretary General of the Norwegian Rowing Association, Trond Are Gjone described the ceremony, “Our President, Rolf Thorsen introduced Mr Heiberg. Mr Heiberg pointed out the great impact Thor has had on international rowing throughout the years and mentioned awards Nilsen has received in both Italy and Spain.

“Mr Heiberg also recognised the accomplishments of the Norwegian rowing teams over the last 40 years as a result of Thor’s work in bringing Norwegian Rowing up amongst the best in the world. Finally, Mr Heiberg recognised Thor’s effort to spread our sport – as it is now one of the most widespread sports – throughout the world."

“When Thor accepted the award he made a point in his speech of saying that the IOC was the main contributor to FISA throughout the years. Thor said that if rowing had not been a part of the Olympic programme, there would be no international rowing.”

On top of being FISA’s Development Director, Nilsen is an honorary FISA Council member having served as Chairman of FISA’s Competitive Rowing Commission and on the FISA Executive Committee, and, in 2003, was awarded the FISA Distinguished Service to Rowing Award. As a coach Nilsen knows no borders and has coached everyone from China’s Xiuyun Zhang to Estonia’s Jueri Jaanson, Spain’s Nuria Dominguez Asensio and Ireland’s Sam Lynch. He was National Technical Director in Spain (1977 to 1980) and in Italy (1980 to 1990) after he coached the Hansen brothers of Norway to a gold medal at the 1976 Olympic Games.

The Olympic Order is the highest award of the International Olympic Committee. It is awarded to individuals to recognise their contribution to the Olympic Movement. 

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