Axel Paulsen was a Norwegian figure skater born on August 3, 1855. He is best known for inventing the Axel jump, a challenging figure skating move that involves a forward takeoff and a backward landing. This jump is now a fundamental element in competitive figure skating. Paulsen was also a successful athlete in other sports, including speed skating. He competed in various championships during the late 19th century and contributed significantly to the development of figure skating techniques. His legacy continues to influence skaters today, making him a notable figure in the history of the sport.