Jean Bouin

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameAlexandre François Étienne Jean•Bouin
Used nameJean•Bouin
Born21 December 1888 in Marseille (Marseilles), Bouches-du-Rhône (FRA)
Died29 September 1914 in Xivray-et-Marvoisin, Meuse (FRA)
Measurements166 cm / 70 kg
AffiliationsUS Phocéenne, Marseille (FRA) / Paris Jean-Bouin, Paris (FRA)
NOC France
Medals OG
Gold 0
Silver 1
Bronze 1
Total 2

Biography

Jean Bouin was the first great French distance runner, winning French titles from 1910-13, and setting world distance records for France in 1911 – 3,000 metres and 10K, both in Colombes. Bouin competed at two Olympics, winning a bronze medal in the 1908 3-mile team race, perhaps, and a silver medal in the 1912 5,000 metres. In 1908, Bouin had partied prior to the 3-mile team race and was punished by French authorities who refused to recognize his time as a national record, and there is some confusion as to whether or not they allowed him to receive the bronze medal.

Bouin was International Cross-Country Champion in 1912, just prior to the Stockholm Olympics, after having finished second in 1909. In 1913 he set a world record for the hour run with 19,021 metres (11 miles, 1,454 yards). Bouin served in World War I for France as a soldier with the 163e Régiment d’Infanterie. He was killed in action by enemy fire in the last days of the 1st Battle of the Marne.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1908 Summer Olympics Athletics FRA Jean Bouin
800 metres, Men (Olympic) DNS
1,500 metres, Men (Olympic) 2 h7 r1/2
5 miles, Men (Olympic) DNS
3 miles, Team, Men (Olympic) France 3 Bronze
1912 Summer Olympics Athletics FRA Jean Bouin
5,000 metres, Men (Olympic) 2 Silver
10,000 metres, Men (Olympic) DNS
3,000 metres, Team, Men (Olympic) France DNS
Cross-Country, Individual, Men (Olympic) DNF

Special Notes

Errata

Date of birth also seen as 24 December 1888, but this date is correct per his birth card.