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Axel Paulsen

Norwegian figure skater and speed skater

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Axel Paulsen was a Norwegian figure skater and speed skater, notable for introducing a jump that now bears his name. This jump, the "axel," involves taking off from a forward outside edge, completing 1.5 turns in the air, and landing on a backward outside edge. Paulsen first performed this jump in Vienna in 1882 at what is considered the first international championship. He was equally skilled in both figure skating and speed skating. The axel jump was later refined by other skaters, including Gillis Grafström.12

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