Bernard Janssens was one of three members of VC Hoboken who were selected to compete at the 1920 Antwerpen (Antwerp) Olympic Games, and eventually the most successful and only one to win a medal. Competing in three events, two road and one in track, Janssens placed fourth, narrowly missing out on the bronze medal in both the individual road race and 4,000 metres team pursuit. It is the team road race event in which he won a bronze medal, narrowly edging out the Danish quartet, alongside teammates Albert Wyckmans of Antwerpen and Bruxelles (Brussels) riders Albert De Bunné and André Vercruysse.
Name previously given as Jean Janssens, but this is not supported by contemporary sources.