Jean Laudet practiced rugby, swimming, and athletics before taking up canoeing at the age of 16. It was in the latter sport that he attended the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, where, despite this being his first major international tournament, he won the C-2 10,000 metres event alongside Georges Turlier. Laudet retired after this victory and opened a shop to work as an antique dealer, an occupation that he held until his retirement in 1990. He also remained athletically active in skiing, sailing, and golf. His Olympic performance earned him a feature on a 40 franc stamp, as well as an appointment as a Knight of the Legion of Honour in 2022.
France