Paul Martin (Swiss athlete)

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]

Paul Martin

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 best(s)	400 m – 47.8 (1928) 800 m – 1:51.8 (1928) 1500 m – 3:58.1 (1934)[1][2]
Medal record Representing  Switzerland Olympic Games 1924 Paris 800 metres World Student Games 1923 Paris 800 metres 1927 Rome 400 metres 1927 Rome 800 metres 1927 Rome 1500 metres

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]

See also

• List of athletes with the most appearances at Olympic Games