Gérard Meister

Gérard Meister was a two-time Olympian in the 100 metres freestyle but was eliminated in the heats on both occasions. He was six times the French 100 metres champion, in 1907-10 and 1912-13. Mesister also set a French record of 1:15 for the 100 free in 1909. He was a multiple winner of the Christmas Cup, a crossing of the Seine on Christmas Day, which he won a record eight times between 1906-18. He was also an avid water polo player.

Meister was seriously wounded in World War I and was awarded the Military Medal and the War Cross. Although he remained mutilated from his injuries, he returned to high-level swimming after the war. In 1913, he was co-author of the handbook “La Natation pour tous” (Swimming for All). In Amiens, he later ran a swimming school from 1921-49 in his own pool. There, he trained swimmers like Georges Vallerey, Sr., as well as water polo players and divers.