Léon Flameng facts for kids
 Flameng at Athens 1896 Summer Olympics |
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| Medal record | ||
|---|---|---|
Representing  France |
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| Men's track cycling | ||
| Olympic Games | ||
| Gold | 1896 Athens | 100 kilometres |
| Silver | 1896 Athens | 10 kilometres |
| Bronze | 1896 Athens | 2 kilometres sprint |
Marie Léon Flameng (born April 30, 1877 – died January 2, 1917) was a talented French cyclist and a brave pilot during World War I. He competed at the first modern 1896 Summer Olympics in Athens, where he won three medals, including one gold.
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Flameng's Olympic Cycling Success
Léon Flameng was a star at the 1896 Summer Olympics. He competed in four exciting cycling races on the track.
On April 8, 1896, he took part in the very long 100-kilometer race. This race was 300 laps around the Neo Phaliron Velodrome, a special track for cycling. Out of nine cyclists who started, only two finished this tough race. Flameng won the gold medal, finishing an amazing 11 laps ahead of the second-place rider, Georgios Kolettis from Greece.
Two days later, he competed in three more events.
- He won a silver medal in the 10-kilometer race. He finished just behind his fellow countryman, Paul Masson.
- He also won a bronze medal in the sprint race. This race was six laps around the Velodrome.
- In the time trial event, he finished in joint fifth place.
Léon Flameng: From Cyclist to Pilot
In 1898, Léon Flameng joined the 8th Infantry Division (France) for his National Service. This was the start of his military career.
Years later, in 1914, he joined the French Air Force as an observer. By 1916, he had become a military pilot. He showed great courage during his missions.
A Brave Pilot's Mission
On June 21, 1916, while on a mission over Verdun, his plane was hit by enemy fire. Even though he was hit in the head by a bullet and his crew was lost, he bravely managed to fly his damaged plane back to base.
After recovering in the hospital, he returned to his squadron. He was promoted to sergeant for his bravery. Later, he moved to the Group of Training Division.
Tragic End
Sadly, on January 12, 1917, while testing a new Sopwith biplane near Ève, Oise, a technical problem caused the plane to crash. Léon Flameng was killed in the accident.
See also
- List of Olympians killed in World War I
