Géo André

Géo André competed for Stade français (up to 1908) and for Racing CF (from 1909 onwards). A superb all-around athlete, he won multiple French championships as follows: 110 metres hurdles (1908, 1914, 1919, 1922); 400 metres hurdles (1913-14, 1919-20, 1922); high jump (1907-1909, 1911, 1914, 1919); and standing high jump (1909, 1911-12, 1914, 1919-20). André set several French records, notably in the 110 metres hurdles (1908 – 15.8; 1922 – 15.4), 400 metres hurdles (1913 – 57.0; 1920 – 57.0 / 56.0 / 55.6), high jump (1907 – 1.79; 1908 – 1.80 / 1.885), and 4×400 metres relay (1922 – 3:24.0). André also played for the French national rugby team from 1913-14.

Géo André recited the athletes’ oath at the 1924 Paris Olympics and on the occasion of his fourth participation since 1908 he also was the flag-bearer of his country at the Opening Ceremony. Later he wrote for several well-known French sports newspapers. During World War I he was wounded as a pilot. Later In World War II he was a member of the French resistance troops and was shot by the SS in 1943 in Tunis. André was the father of French 400 m hurdler Jacques André.

Personal Bests: 400 – 49.0 (1914); 110H – 15.4 (1922); 400H – 54.8e (1920); HJ – 1.88 (1908); Dec – unknown.