Jean Bouin

Who was Jean Bouin?

Jean Bouin was a French athlete. He competed at the 1908 Summer Olympics in London and at the 1912 Summer Olympics in Stockholm.

In the 1500 metres, Bouin placed second of three in his initial semifinal heat and did not advance to the final. His time was 4:17.0.

His struggle against Finland's Hannes Kolehmainen in the 5,000-metre final of the 1912 Olympics has long been regarded as one of the most memorable moments of international track races. Bouin lost that race to Kolehmainen by just 0.1 seconds; their times were 14 minutes 36.7 seconds and 14:36.6, respectively.

Bouin was killed in action during World War I near Xivray, Meuse, 10 miles east of Saint-Mihiel.

The Stade Jean-Bouin in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, home of the Stade Français rugby union club, was named after him. The French government made a stamp with his picture on it and many games have been held in his honor.