Paul Martin (Swiss athlete)
Swiss middle-distance runner
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Paul-René Martin (11 August 1901 – 28 April 1987) was a Swiss middle-distance runner. He was the first Swiss sportsperson to compete at five Olympics, which he did from 1920 to 1936.[1]
Douglas Lowe and Paul Martin (right) at the 1924 Olympics | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Born | 11 August 1901 Geneva, Switzerland | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Died | 28 April 1987 (aged 85) Lausanne, Switzerland | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 63 kg (139 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sport | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sport | Athletics | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Event | 400–1500 m | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Club | Cercle des Sports Lausanne Stade Lausanne | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Achievements and titles | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Personal bests | 400 m – 47.8 (1928) 800 m – 1:51.8 (1928) 1500 m – 3:58.1 (1934)[1][2] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Medal record
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Career
At every Olympics he competed in the 800 metres; he won a silver medal in 1924, behind Douglas Lowe, and failed to reach the final in other years. In 1928 and 1936 he also took part in the 1500 m event, and finished sixth in 1928. At the 1936 Games Martin also submitted an entry in the literature section of the art competition.[3]
Martin was the flag bearer for Switzerland three times: the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1936 Summer Olympics, and the opening ceremony of the 1932 Summer Olympics.[3]
Martin finished third behind Edgar Mountain in the 880 yards event at the 1922 AAA Championships.[4][5][6]
