Each year, a prominent Norwegian is given the award.

The members of the Norwegian Parliament select the winner from a shortlist chosen by a jury.

The prize is dedicated to persons or institutions that have made a positive impact in the social field or have made Norway's name known abroad.

Svindal and Jansrud received the prize from Speaker of the Parliament Tone Wilhelmsen Trøen.

The award comes six months after the two team mates stormed to gold and silver medals in the men’s downhill at the International Ski Federation Alpine World Ski Championships in Åre in Sweden.

Svindal had announced prior to the race, in which five-time Olympic medallist Jansrud became the oldest winner of the men’s downhill world title, that the event would mark the end of his 16-year international career.

The 36-year-old won two Olympic gold medals, five world titles and 11 World Cup crowns.

This included two overall World Cup titles, with Svindal having earned 36 World Cup race wins.

"This is actually the first time that we share an award," Svindal said at the ceremony.

"We have managed to both win but never landed on the same hundredth of a second.

"We’ve done it today, this is big."

Jansrud added: "I am proud to be awarded with Aksel.

"It is a great honour, and receiving this prize is something very special.

"When I was growing up, it was always a big thing for me and to be standing here with this statuette, as visible proof that I have been found worthy, is great."

In recent years, the Peer Gynt Award has been won by the likes of chess player Magnus Carlsen and ex-footballer Ole Gunnar Solskjær, who is now the manager of Manchester United.

Among other well-known skiers to have received the prize in the past are Marit Bjørgen, Kjetil André Aamodt, Bjørn Dæhlie and Vegard Ulvang.