When you think of Olympic gold medalists, royalty probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Yet, two remarkable monarchs—Olav V of Norway and Constantine II of Greece—made history by achieving Olympic glory. Both kings, renowned for their leadership, humility, and love of sport, hold the distinction of being the only monarchs to ever win Olympic gold medals.
Olav V’s Gold-Winning Journey
Born in 1903, Olav V was the son of King Haakon VII of Norway and Queen Maud. He grew up in a household that valued both tradition and a love of outdoor activities—a hallmark of Norwegian culture. Throughout his life, King Olav V embraced physical pursuits with enthusiasm, excelling in both summer and winter activities. A passionate cross-country skier, Olav also tried his hand at ski jumping, even participating in the prestigious Holmenkollen ski-jumping contest as a young man.
Sailing, however, was where Olav truly found his calling. Olav’s interest in sailing wasn’t just a casual hobby. He immersed himself in the sport, learning the intricacies of navigation, weather conditions, and teamwork. For more than 70 years, he competed in national and international sailing events, carving out a name for himself in the world of competitive sports.
His dedication and skill culminated at the 1928 Olympic Summer Games in Amsterdam, where he achieved the pinnacle of his sailing career. Competing in the 6-meter mixed event aboard his vessel, Norna, Olav led his team to victory, claiming the gold medal—a historic achievement for a future monarch.
A Prince at the Helm: Constantine II’s Journey to Olympic Gold
Constantine II of Greece was a natural athlete with a wide range of talents. As a young man, he excelled in swimming, karate (earning a black belt), squash, track events, and horse riding.
In 1958, Constantine’s father, King Paul, gifted him a Lightning-class sailing boat for Christmas. This thoughtful gesture sparked the young prince’s deep dedication to the sport. He spent countless hours training on the waters of the Saronic Gulf, honing his skills and preparing for future competitions. Just months later, the Greek Navy provided him with a Dragon-class sailing boat, and Constantine set his sights on representing Greece at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome.
At the opening ceremony in Rome, Constantine carried the Greek flag with pride as the nation’s flag bearer. Competing as the helmsman of the boat Nireus, he led his team—which included Odysseus Eskitzoglou and Georgios Zaimis—to a stunning victory in the Dragon class. This gold medal was a historic win for Greece, marking the country’s first Olympic gold since the 1912 Stockholm Games.
Constantine’s contributions to sports extended beyond his Olympic success. In 1963, he became a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), later serving as an honorary member after stepping down in 1974.
Other Royal Athletes: Medals and Achievements Beyond the Throne
While Olav V of Norway and Constantine II of Greece are the only monarchs to ever win Olympic gold medals, several other members of royal families have made their mark in the world of competitive sports.
Prince Friedrich Karl of Prussia (1893–1917)
Prince Friedrich Karl of Prussia was an accomplished athlete who participated in the 1912 Summer Olympics in Stockholm. Competing in the eventing (equestrian) discipline, he was part of the German team that won a bronze medal. Despite his promising athletic career, his life was tragically cut short when he died during World War I at the age of 24. Though he never had the chance to rule, Friedrich Karl’s contributions to his country’s sporting legacy continue to be remembered.
Abdullah bin Mutaib Al Saud: Saudi Arabia’s Equestrian Medalist
Abdullah bin Mutaib Al Saud, born on 13 October 1984 in London, is a member of the Saudi royal family and a skilled show jumping rider. As a competitive show jumper, Prince Abdullah represented Saudi Arabia in several prestigious international events, including the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics. While he did not individually win a medal, he was part of Saudi Arabia’s equestrian show jumping team that clinched a historic bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics.
Princess Nathalie of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg
Princess Nathalie of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg, a member of the Danish dressage team, won a bronze medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics. She also competed in the 2012 Summer Olympics, showcasing her continued excellence in the sport.
Zara Tindall
Zara Tindall, the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, is perhaps one of the most well-known royal athletes in modern times. A skilled equestrian, she won a silver medal in eventing at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London as part of the British equestrian team.
Cover photo: Photograph of the King of Norway Olav V during his visit to Finland in Suomenlinna, Wikimedia Commons, public domain, http://commons.wikimedia.org/
Read More: King Olav V (1903-1991) – The Royal House of Norway
