Paul Brochart

Originally starting his sporting career as a footballer, Paul Brochart went on to become one of the best Belgian sprinters of the 1920s. In 1913 Brochart played football for Ans FC before playing for FC Liègeois briefly in 1919. During World War I he discovered a passion for athletics and changed his focus to sprinting.

Brochart was a 12-time Belgian champion, winning eight titles in the 100 metres (1919, 1921–23, 1925–28) and four in the 200 metres (1919, 1921–23). In 1919 he set a Belgian record in the 100 metres that stood until 1938. From 1923 to 1924 and from 1928 to 1938 he also held the national record in the 200 metres.

During the 1920s Brochart competed at three Olympics where he ran in the 100 metres, 200 metres, and the 4 × 100 metres relay at each Games. In the 100 metres and 200 metres he always reached the quarter-finals of the race and made the semi-finals of both events at the 1920 Antwerpen Olympics.

Personal Bests: 100 – 10.7 (1923); 200 – 22.0e (1928).