Ollerup Academy of Physical Education

Facts

Denmark's first sports academy

By Hans Bonde, Professor. dr. phil. (17 stories)

In 1920, a Danish gymnastics teacher called Niels Bukh (1880-1950) established Denmark's first academy of physical education on South Funen east of Ollerup near Hvidkilde Lake. The impressive main building is built in the neo-classicistic style. In 1926, the Academy built Denmark's first indoor swimming pool, and opened a sports hall with room for 8,000 people in 1933. The beautiful swimming pool is framed by columns and was restored in 2006 by the Heritage Agency of Denmark and Realdania. One year later, the still thriving Academy unveiled a range of new works of art by Mogens Møller, Hein Heinsen and Stig Brøgger, donated by the New Carlsberg Foundation.

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Danish gymnast with rhythm

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Story written by Hans Bonde

Time / Periode 1920 1950

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Niels Bukh's rhythmic gymnastics for men hit the headlines when the Academy of Physical Education in Ollerup opened. Bukh's gymnastics put power, agility and movement in the spotlight. His style broke with the stiff, static Swedish Ling style by leaps and bounds. Bukh toured the world performing and was probably the most famous Dane overseas. In Denmark he became a national idol. The climax came when Bukh's gymnastics team performed at Parliament after being on tour in 1931. But Bukh's glory began to fade in the light of his obvious fascination with Nazism. During World War II, his interest gravitated towards political cooperation with the occupying forces. By the time Denmark was liberated, Niels Bukh's reputation was tarnished. He endured a court trial but managed to guide his academy through the crisis unharmed.