Paul Martin

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games • Other
SexMale
Full namePaul-René•Martin
Used namePaul•Martin
Born11 August 1901 in Genève (Geneva), Genève (SUI)
Died28 April 1987 in Lausanne, Vaud (SUI)
Measurements175 cm / 63 kg
AffiliationsCercle des Sports, Lausanne (SUI) / Stade-Lausanne, Lausanne (SUI)
NOC Switzerland
Medals OG
Gold 0
Silver 1
Bronze 0
Total 1

Biography

Middle-distance runner (and author), Paul Martin, was the first Swiss Olympian to compete at five Olympics. He competed between 1920-36 winning the 800 metres silver medal in 1924. Between 1928-36 he started in the 1500 metres, with a sixth place in 1928 being his best result. From 1919-35 Martin set 18 Swiss records over 800 m, 1000 m, 1500 m and the 4x400 m relay. In the United States he won a 1000 yards national championship.

After finishing medical school in 1929, Martin moved to the United States for two years for extra training as a surgeon. There, he was one of the founders of the International College of Surgeons. In 1952 the humanist published Au dixième de seconde (10th of a Second), a book for which he was awarded the French sports literature prize. Other books by Martin were Le sport et l’homme (Sport and man) and Souvenirs olympiques (Olympic Souvenirs). In 1936 he took part in the art competitions in the literature section with La lumière de la stade (The Light of the Stadium). He continued to participate in public runs and organized athletic meetings. In 1932 and 1936 he was the flag bearer for the Swiss team at the opening ceremonies. In 1982, he was awarded the Olympic Order in Silver.

Personal Bests: 400 – 47.8 (1928); 800 – 1:51.8 (1928); 1500 – 3:58.1 (1934).

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1920 Summer Olympics Athletics SUI Paul Martin
800 metres, Men (Olympic) 5 h3 r1/3
1924 Summer Olympics Athletics SUI Paul Martin
800 metres, Men (Olympic) 2 Silver
4 × 400 metres Relay, Men (Olympic) Switzerland DNS
1928 Summer Olympics Athletics SUI Paul Martin
400 metres, Men (Olympic) DNS
800 metres, Men (Olympic) 4 h3 r2/3
1,500 metres, Men (Olympic) 6
4 × 400 metres Relay, Men (Olympic) Switzerland DNS
1932 Summer Olympics Athletics SUI Paul Martin
800 metres, Men (Olympic) 5 h1 r1/2
1,500 metres, Men (Olympic) 5 h2 r1/2
1936 Summer Olympics Athletics SUI Paul Martin
800 metres, Men (Olympic) 6 h4 r1/3
1,500 metres, Men (Olympic) 10 h1 r1/2
Art Competitions SUI Paul Martin
Literature, Epic Works, Open (Olympic) AC

Other participations

Games Role NOC As
1932 Summer Olympics Flagbearer at the Opening Ceremony SUI Paul Martin
1936 Summer Olympics Flagbearer at the Closing Ceremony SUI Paul Martin
1936 Summer Olympics Flagbearer at the Opening Ceremony SUI Paul Martin

Special Notes