António Martins

António Martins was a surgeon, military doctor, and one of the best sports shooters in Portugal during the 1920s. In 1911 Martins began to study medicine at the University of Coimbra before transferring to the University of Lisboa. While attending the Faculty of Medicine in Lisboa he went on a study trip to Cape Verde and eventually passed the medicine course with a high distinction. After Portugal entered World War I Martins joined the medical battalion of the Portuguese Expeditionary Corps, first travelling to France, and then onto Belgium. He was decorated multiple times including the 1st Class Medal of the Cross of War, the Military Order of the Tower and Sword, and the Military Order of Christ.

By 1918 Martins had begun to participate in shooting tournaments across Europe, becoming a champion at multiple competitions including Roma (1927), Amsterdam (1928), and Stockholm (1929). He competed in five events at the 1920 Antwerpen Olympics with a best finish of eighth place in the team military pistol competition. Martins’ other shooting events at the Antwerpen Games were all in military rifle disciplines in the standing and prone positions. He returned to the Olympics four years later for the 1924 Paris Games and finished in 16th place in the 25 metres rapid-fire pistol and equal-20th in the 50 metres small-bore rifle. Martins was a keen track and field athlete and also competed in the discus throw in Paris. He had the further honour of being the flag bearer for Portugal at the Opening Ceremony.

Martins died in tragic circumstances at the age of 38 in October 1930 after a gun went off accidently during a shooting test. The news of his death was covered in all the national newspapers of the time, with more than 3,000 people attending the funeral service at the church. His son of the same name was also a sports shooter who competed at the 1960 Roma Olympics.

Personal Best: DT – unknown.