André Francquenelle

André Francquenelle (better known under surname “Franquenelle” in newspapers of the time) played international rugby for France during 1911-1913 (3 selections) as a three-quarter center and also french international athlete during 1914-1920 (3 selections including 1920 OG) as a pole vaulter. In the pole vault, he notably obtained a title of champion of France in 1919 and participated in the 1920 Summer Olympics, finishing 10th with a height of 3.40 m. PE teacher, instructor at the “École de Joinville” and “École Polytechnique”, he was affiliated for 15 years in Paris clubs, Sporting Club Vaugirard, Métropolitain Club Colombes and Olympic Paris, before being recruited in 1924 by Marcel Michelin (son of André Michelin, co-founder of Michelin Cie, the famous manufacture of tires), to ensure the general sports management of the AS Montferrand (ASM) and supervised the Montferrand rugby players. His nickmane was “Le Sioux”. His 33 years of service at ASM were punctuated by three Challenge Yves Du Manoir finals (including a victory in 1938) and two French championship finals, in 1936 and 1937. In 1934, he also became one a the head coaches of the French athletics federation, being part of a team dedicated to the preparation of French athletes for the 1936 Olympics. At Berlin OG, he was listed as an entrant in the triple jump event probably to get an extra credential for the French NOC.

He was honoured Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur en 1957.

Personal Best: PV – 3.63.