Gustave Kappeler

Swiss-born Gustave Kappeler was an active gymnast with the Touristes de Suresnes in the 1910s, and took to the sport of freestyle wrestling in the 1920s. Already in his early 40s, Kappeler won the Paris championship title in 1921 and the 1924 national title in light heavyweight freestyle. Named to the national team to compete at the Olympic Games held in Paris that year, Kappeler lost his only match by decision to Fabio Del Genovese of Italy. Following the Olympics, Kappeler remained active in domestic wrestling events, winning another national title in 1926, and was named to the national team for an international match against Great Britain in 1927. Retiring from active competition by 1930, he continued to be active with the Touristes de Suresnes, giving wrestling demonstrations even after his 50th birthday.