Paul-René MARTIN

Middle-distance runner (and author), Paul Martin, was the first Swiss Olympian to compete at five Olympics. He competed between 1920-36 winning the 800 metres silver medal in 1924. Between 1928-36 he started in the 1500 metres, with a sixth place in 1928 being his best result. From 1919-35 Martin set 18 Swiss records over 800 m, 1000 m, 1500 m and the 4x400 m relay. In the United States he won a 1000 yards national championship.

After finishing medical school in 1929, Martin moved to the United States for two years for extra training as a surgeon. There, he was one of the founders of the International College of Surgeons. In 1952 the humanist published Au dixième de seconde (10th of a Second), a book for which he was awarded the French sports literature prize. Other books by Martin were Le sport et l’homme (Sport and man) and Souvenirs olympiques (Olympic Souvenirs). He continued to participate in public runs and organized athletic meetings. In 1982, he was awarded the Olympic Order in Silver.

Personal Bests: 400 – 47.8 (1928); 800 – 1:51.8 (1928); 1500 – 3:58.1 (1934).