Michel Bernard (runner)


Michel Bernard was a French middle- and long-distance runner. He competed at the 1960 and 1964 Olympics in the 1500 m and 5000 m and finished in seventh place in all events. During his career he won nine national titles, in the 1500 m, 5000 m and 10000 m. Between 1985 and 1987 he was president of the Fédération française d'athlétisme.

Biography

Bernard was born to Pierre Bernard, a blacksmith; his mother ran a hardware shop. His father died on the front in World War II, and his mother raised him alone, together with his younger sister.
At sixteen, Bernard started working at a factory. Next year he became involved with running, and in 1949 and 1950 became junior champion of France. He lost his form during 18 months of the military service, but had recovered it by 1954. In 1955, he won his first senior national title and was selected for the national team, but not for the 1956 Olympics. Nationally, Bernard was losing to Michel Jazy, who was a stronger runner and had better conditions for training, whereas Bernard had to take unpaid leaves from work to prepare for major competitions.
In 1960, Bernard met Chantal Churn, also a track athlete. They married on 27 November 1961 and later had a son, Pierre-Michel, and daughters Sandrine and Cathy.
After retiring from competitions Bernard became involved with the national athletics federation, serving as its president between 1985 and 1987. He also became interested in local politics, and founded in 2001 the association Anzin pour tous.

Personal bests