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Victor BoinBelgian water polo player, swimmer and fencer
Date of Birth: 28.02.1886
Country:  Belgium |
Content:
- Victor Boin: A Multifaceted Olympian
- Water Polo and Swimming
- Fencing and the Olympic Oath
- Post-Athletic Career
Victor Boin: A Multifaceted Olympian
Victor Boin was a Belgian athlete who excelled in multiple disciplines, including water polo, swimming, and fencing. He made his mark on Olympic history by becoming the first athlete to recite the Olympic oath at the 1920 Summer Olympics.
Water Polo and Swimming
Boin's Olympic journey began in 1908, where he represented Belgium in water polo. His team won the silver medal at the London Games, and he repeated his success with a bronze medal at the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm. In addition to water polo, Boin also participated in the 100-meter freestyle swimming event at the 1908 Olympics but was eliminated in the early rounds.
Fencing and the Olympic Oath
Starting with the 1912 Games, Boin transitioned to fencing. He placed fourth in the épée event at that Olympics. In 1920, he made history by being the first athlete to recite the Olympic oath at the Summer Olympics held in Antwerp. During those Games, he won a silver medal in the team épée event. In the individual tournament, he was eliminated after the first round.
Post-Athletic Career
After retiring from sports, Boin served as the President of the Belgian Olympic Committee from 1955 to 1965. He also served as a military aviator during World War I.
