Robert Reyntiens

Biographical information

RolesAdministrator
SexMale
Full nameRobert Florent Joseph Nicolas Ghislain•Reyntiens
Used nameRobert•Reyntiens
Born19 October 1853 in Saint-Josse-ten-Noode, Région de Bruxelles-Capitale (BEL)
Died13 October 1913 in Waterloo, Brabant Wallon (BEL)
NOC Belgium

Biography

Robert Reyntiens was a very short-term IOC Member, being co-opted in January 1901 and abruptly resigning in the spring of 1902, after quarrels with Pierre de Coubertin. His resignation in 1902 angered de Coubertin, who wrote in his memoirs that it almost led to a duel. This would have been difficult for de Coubertin as Reyntiens was a renowned fencer. He also was a football supporter, serving as founding President of the football section of the Leopold Club de Bruxelles.

Reyntiens was a military man, graduating from the Artillery Section of the Bruxelles Military Academy as a lieutenant junior grade in 1877, and he was promoted to lieutenant in December 1877. He was the first commander of the Ecole Miltaire d’Escrime when this school was established in Bruxelles in December 1885. Reyntiens served in the military until 1898, resigning with the rank of captain. After his IOC fiasco, Reyntien returned to the military in 1903, becoming a major in 1908, and eventually retiring in January 1913. His son, Guy Reyntiens, competed in jumping and eventing at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics.

Organization roles

Role Organization Tenure NOC As
Member International Olympic Committee 1901—1903 BEL Robert Reyntiens

Olympic family relations