Nils Emanuel Karlsson, better known as Mora-Nisse, was a Swedish cross-country skier. He was born in Mora, Dalarna. He won the Olympic gold medal in the 50 km at the 1948 Winter Olympics, a bronze medal in 50 km at the 1950 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships, and a total of 37 gold medals in Swedish national championships, 17 in individual competition. He also won Vasaloppet nine times. Karlsson won the Holmenkollen ski festival 50 km event twice as well. For his success in cross-country skiing, Karlsson was awarded the Holmenkollen medal in 1952. Eight years earlier, Karlsson was awarded the Svenska Dagbladet Gold Medal. Karlsson has meant a lot to Vasaloppet, initially through his many victories. With the aid of Sven Jerring's radio sports commentary, he made Vasaloppet known throughout the country. After his active career, he participated in the administration of Vasaloppet, both as a leader and as chief of the course. [More at Wikipedia]

June 25th, 1917 in Mora  /  Died:   Jun 16th, 2012 - aged 94