Joseph Van Assche

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameJosephus "Joseph"•Van Assche
Used nameJoseph•Van Assche
Nick/petnamesJef
Born4 August 1905 in Weert, Antwerpen (BEL)
Died11 June 1972 in Sint-Niklaas, Oost-Vlaanderen (BEL)
Measurements85 kg
AffiliationsRoosen's WC, Temse (BEL)
NOC Belgium

Biography

Joseph Van Assche was from Weert, about 10 minutes south of Temse over the Scheldt. Training under European champion wrestler Hyacinthe Roosen at his club based in Temse, Van Assche was one of five representatives from the club to represent Belgium at the 1928 Olympic Games held in Amsterdam. Competing in the light-heavyweight freestyle tournament, he placed fifth after losing to Heywood Edwards of the United States in the semifinal round.

Domestically, Van Assche won a regional (Flanders) title and eventually the national championship title in 1935. His twin brother, Britonus “Tony”, was also a successful freestyle wrestler and winner of national titles in the 1920s.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1928 Summer Olympics Wrestling BEL Joseph Van Assche
Light-Heavyweight, Freestyle, Men (Olympic) 5

Errata

Name previously listed as Jacques Van Assche, but this is incorrect