Johann Olav Koss

Johann Olav Koss is one of the greatest winter athletes of all time. The four-time Olympic Gold Medalist in speed skating made world headlines when he won three Gold Medals at the 1994 Lillehammer Games in the 1’500-, 5’000- and 10’000-metre events. Over the course of his career, he broke a total of 11 world records, won three World All-round Championships, and won numerous World Cups and National Championships.

Johann Koss first became involved with Right To Play – then known as Olympic Aid – in 1993 when he visited the African country of Eritrea. He was profoundly moved by the plight of the children. At Lillehammer, Johann Koss donated the prize money from his 1’500m victory to Olympic Aid and challenged other athletes to do the same.

Since Lillehammer, Johann Koss has dedicated himself to growing Right To Play into an internationally recognized non-government organization (NGO) and a lead in Sport for Development. Sport for Development uses sport and play to enhance the healthy physical and psycho-social development of children and build stronger communities.