Michel Soalhat

Michel Soalhat ran the 800 and 1,500 metre event at the 1906 Athina Olympics, but did not make the final in either event. Soalhat was a multiple French Champion, winning the 800 in 1895-96, and 1904-05; the 1,500 metres in 1894-95 and 1904-05; the steeplechase in 1895-96; and cross-country in 1896-97. He also set five French national records, two in the 800 in 1895 and 1896, one in the 1000 in 1896, and two in the 1,500 metres, one in 1895 and one in 1904. Soalhat competed for Nogent up until 1894, then moved to Union Athlétique 1er in 1895-96, and was with Racing Club de France from 1896 onwards.

Soalhat worked as a lace dyer. He joined the French Army in 1896, enlisting in the 317e Régiment d’Infanterie, leaving the Army in 1898, but staying in the reserves. He was recalled in August 1914, serving with the 315e Régiment d’Infanterie. Soalhat was killed in October 1915 during the second Battle of Champagne. His body was never identified.

Personal Bests: 800 – 1.59.0 (1906); 1500 – 4.08.2 (1904).