Born: 1890
Biography:
Ellen Ottilie Osiier, née Thomsen, was a Danish fencer born on August 13, 1890. She made significant contributions to the world of fencing and left a lasting impact on Danish sports history. Osiier’s achievements not only marked her as a remarkable athlete but also as a pioneer for women in the sport.
Osiier began her fencing journey under the tutelage of French fencing master Leonce Mahaut. Her passion and skill in the sport quickly became evident, and she became a member of the Ladies’ Fencing Club of 1917 in Copenhagen. This marked the beginning of her journey towards becoming a renowned fencer.
In addition to her fencing career, Osiier married Ivan Osiier, a doctor and accomplished fencer who had won a silver medal at the 1912 Summer Olympics in Stockholm. Their shared love for the sport undoubtedly played a significant role in their relationship. The couple tied the knot on May 2, 1919, solidifying a connection that would continue to shape their lives.
Osiier’s most significant accomplishment came at the 1924 Olympics in Paris, where she secured a gold medal in fleuret fencing. Remarkably, she won all 16 of her matches, demonstrating her exceptional skill and determination. This victory not only brought her personal success but also marked a historic moment for Denmark. Osiier became the first Danish woman to win an Olympic gold medal and the only Danish fencer, male or female, to accomplish this feat in fencing thus far. To further highlight Denmark’s success in women’s fencing at the 1924 games, Grete Heckscher won the bronze medal.
Her skills and expertise in the sport led to Osiier being registered as a fencing judge at the 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. However, controversy marred her participation in the event. Another female Danish fencer expressed concerns that Osiier would show favoritism towards a different Danish fencer. This led to her exclusion from the competition on the grounds of a potential conflict of interest. The incident resulted in a defamation case before the Copenhagen City Court, highlighting the complexities and tensions within the sporting world.
Despite her numerous accolades and achievements, Osiier never managed to secure a World Cup, European Championship, or DM title. However, her impact extended far beyond individual victories. Osiier’s contributions to Danish sports and her pioneering role as a successful female fencer inspired generations to come. She shattered barriers and proved that women could excel in a traditionally male-dominated sport.
Beyond her fencing career, Osiier participated in a unique event held in Denmark on August 9, 1931. The Balloon Hunt competition, organized by the Royal Danish Automobile Club and Politiken, was a car race where participants had to follow a hot air balloon and be the first to reach its landing point. Osiier emerged victorious in the women’s class, showcasing her versatility and competitiveness beyond the fencing strip.
Ellen Osiier and her husband Ivan Osiier, who undoubtedly played a crucial role in her fencing journey, were laid to rest in an ash grave at Bispebjerg Cemetery. Their legacy lives on in the annals of Danish sports history, with Ellen Osiier forever remembered as a trailblazing fencer and a symbol of female empowerment in athletics.
Awards:
– Gold Medal in Fleuret Fencing at the 1924 Olympics in Paris.