Sidney Merlin

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games • Competed in Intercalated Games
SexMale
Full nameSidney Louis Walter•Merlin
Used nameSidney•Merlin
Born26 April 1856 in Peiraias (Piraeus), Attiki (GRE)
Died14 July 1951 in Athina (Athens), Attiki (GRE)
NOC Great Britain
Medals IG
Gold 1
Silver 0
Bronze 1
Total 2

Biography

Sidney Merlin was the only British marksman to take part in the first Modern Olympic Games in 1896 and ten years later he competed in all eleven individual shooting events at the 1906 Games. He won the gold medal in the clay pigeon, double shot, with 15 hits out of a possible 20 and he also won the bronze medal in the single shot event. The considerable fortune of the Merlin family and their native-born knowledge of the Greek language placed them among the leaders of Greek Society at the turn of the century. The family were substantial landowners and one of the main thoroughfares of Athens is still known as Merlin Street. Sidney Merlin married Zaira, the daughter of George Theotokis, the Greek Prime Minister, and when they were later divorced Zaira married Ioannis Rollis who, like his father-in-law, also became Prime Minister. Sidney Merlin and Gerald Merlin are invariably referred to as brothers but this is not correct. A search of the British Consular Birth Register reveals that Gerald was the son of Charles E. P. Merlin and his wife Irene (nee Stournare) whereas Sidney was the son of the British Vice-Consul for Athens, Charles L. W. Merlin and his wife Isabella (née Green). However in fact they were uncle and nephew.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1896 Summer Olympics Shooting GBR Sidney Merlin
Military Pistol, 25 metres, Men (Olympic) DNF
Muzzle-Loading Pistol, 25 metres, Men (Olympic) DNF
Free Rifle, Any Position, 300 metres, Men (Olympic) AC
Military Rifle, 200 metres, Men (Olympic) 10
1900 Summer Olympics Shooting GBR Sidney Merlin
Trap, Men (Olympic) =7
1906 Intercalated Games Shooting GBR Sidney Merlin
Free Pistol, 25 metres, Men (Intercalated) 12
Free Pistol, 50 metres, Men (Intercalated) 23
Military Revolver, 1873-1874 Gras Model, 20 metres, Men (Intercalated) DNF
Military Revolver, 20 metres, Men (Intercalated) 16
Dueling Pistol Au Visé 20 metres, Men (Intercalated) 10
Dueling Pistol Au Commandement, 25 metres, Men (Intercalated) 7
Free Rifle, Any Position, 300 metres, Men (Intercalated) DNF
Military Rifle, 1873-1874 Gras Model, Kneeling Or Standing, 200 metres, Men (Intercalated) 7
Military Rifle, Kneeling Or Standing, 300 metres, Men (Intercalated) 23
Trap, Single Shot, 16 metres, Men (Intercalated) 3 Bronze
Trap, Double Shot, 14 metres, Men (Intercalated) 1 Gold

Olympic family relations