Alain Porthault

Alain Porthault represented France at two editions of the Olympic track tournament. In 1948 in London he was a member of the French 4x100 metres relay team, along with Marc Litaudon, Julien Lebas, and René Valmy, that failed to finish in their round one heat. He was the only one of the quartet to compete in this event again in 1952 in Helsinki. This time, with Étienne Bally, Yves Camus, and René Bonino, he survived until the finals and was fifth overall. At this edition of the Games, Porthault also competed in the 100 metres and was eliminated in the semifinals.

A member of Racing CF, Porthault’s greatest moment on the track came in 1949, when he became French national champion in the 100 metres. He also played for the club’s rugby side as a winger and was with the team when they came runner-up in the national championships against Castres Olympique. He earned seven caps with the French national rugby team between 1951 and 1953 and scored three tries.

Personal Best: 100 – 10.7 (1948).