Jean Verhaert

The multi-talented Jean Verhaert started out as a diamond cutter before becoming a painter and a book illustrator. Verhaert was also a decent track and field athlete who competed in the 400 and 800 metres. He was the Belgian national champion in both distances in 1935 and 1936, and won a third title in the 400 metres in 1937. During the 1930s he held the Belgian record in both disciplines and was selected to compete at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. His best result at the Berlin Games came in the 800 metres, with him advancing to the semi-finals.

During World War II, however, a much darker side of Verhaert was revealed when he became a collaborator with the Nazis. By December 1940 he had joined the Algemeene SS-Vlaanderen with the SS using him as a Jew hunter in Antwerpen. He was later sentenced to twenty years in prison for his role in the collaboration, although this was later reduced.

Personal Bests: 400 – 49.7 (1936); 800 – 1:54.3 (1936).