During the first month after the outbreak of the First World War the famous French long-distance runner, Jean Bouin, silver medalist at the Stockholm Olympics in 1912, managed to get himself sent to the front. Neither the weak heart discovered at his medical, nor the persuasions of the French Athletic Union could prevent this patriotic sportsman from doing his duty to his country. Jean Bouin loved life and dreamed of winning at the following Olympic Games, for which he trained assiduously. But in September 1914 during an attack on the heights of Meuse the life of the great runner was cut short by a German bullet.
       In memory of Bouin the French postal authorities issued a stamp showing his portrait against the background of the stadium at Marseilles, where for many years memorial games have been held in honour of Bouin.

Back to top