Josy Barthel

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games • Administrator
SexMale
Full nameJosef Henri "Josy"•Barthel
Used nameJosy•Barthel
Born24 April 1927 in Mamer, Luxembourg (LUX)
Died7 July 1992 in Luxembourg, Luxembourg (LUX)
Measurements173 cm / 68 kg
AffiliationsSpora Luxembourg, Luxembourg (LUX)
NOC Luxembourg
Medals OG
Gold 1
Silver 0
Bronze 0
Total 1

Biography

Josy Barthel’s running talent was discovered during World War II. His first major title came in the 800 m at the 1947 Military World Championships (CISM) in Berlin, followed by winning the 800 and 1,500 at the 1948 CISM. Barthel competed at the 1948 London Olympics in London, finishing ninth in the 1,500 m final, but he later won titles at the World University Games in 1949 (1,500 m) and 1951 (800 m and 1,500 m). The apex of Barthel’s career was the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, where he surprised the crowd and himself by winning the 1,500 m with a strong finish. He also competed at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, after which he retired from competitive running. Barthel was Luxembourg champion in 800 m and 1,500 m from 1946-56. From 1962-72 he was president of the Luxembourg Athletics Federation and then from 1973-77 was president of the Luxembourgish Olympic and Sporting Committee. He was also member of the Luxembourg government, serving as Minister for Transport, Minister for Energy and Minister for the Environment from 1977-84.

Personal Bests: 800 – 1:51.0 (1947); 1500 – 3:44.1 (1952).

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1948 Summer Olympics Athletics LUX Josy Barthel
800 metres, Men (Olympic) 6 h1 r2/3
1,500 metres, Men (Olympic) 10
1952 Summer Olympics Athletics LUX Josy Barthel
800 metres, Men (Olympic) DNS
1,500 metres, Men (Olympic) 1 Gold
4 × 400 metres Relay, Men (Olympic) Luxembourg DNS
1956 Summer Olympics Athletics LUX Josy Barthel
800 metres, Men (Olympic) DNS
1,500 metres, Men (Olympic) 10 h1 r1/2

Organization roles

Role Organization Tenure NOC As
President Comité Olympique et Sportif Luxembourgeois 1972—1977 LUX Josy Barthel

Special Notes