Rolf Monsen was born in Oslo, Norway. He competed in ski jumping, cross country skiing and Nordic combined. He was a member of three U.S. Olympic teams, 1928, 1932 and 1936. His best Olympic result was at the 1928 Winter Olympics in St. Moritz, where he placed sixth in ski jumping. Although unable to compete due to an injury, he was chosen to be the U.S. Team flag bearer at the 1936 Olympic Games.