A gold medal in single sculls at the 1900 Summer Olympics established Hermann Joseph Barrelet de Ricou as a prominent rower in French sports history. Born in 1879 in Colombier, the athlete maintained a competitive career spanning multiple decades, transitioning from individual achievements to successful participation in large-scale team events before his death in 1964.
Early Career and Olympic Success
Barrelet secured international recognition in the sport of rowing at the start of the 20th century. His primary success arrived at the 1900 Summer Olympics, where he claimed the gold medal in the single sculls event. He sustained this performance the following year, winning the gold medal in the single sculls category at the 1901 European Championships.
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As he progressed into his thirties, Barrelet shifted his focus toward team-based rowing disciplines. While he remained active in single sculls during this period, his most significant results occurred in collective boats. In 1909, he achieved a European title as a member of the men's eight team. By 1913, he partnered with Anatol Peresselenzeff to secure an additional European title in the double sculls event.
Record and Legacy
The sporting timeline of Barrelet extends from his birth in 1879 until his passing in 1964. Although some administrative records associate him with gymnastics, his primary athletic contributions are documented within the field of rowing through the international governing body, World Rowing, and the Olympic historical database.
Fast facts
- Born: 25 September 1879
- Died: 24 September 1964
- Place of birth: Colombier
- Primary sport: Rowing
- Olympic result: Gold medal, 1900 single sculls
- European titles: 1901, 1909, 1913
Questions readers ask
What were Hermann Barrelet's key rowing achievements?
He won the gold medal in single sculls at the 1900 Summer Olympics and the 1901 European Championships, followed by European titles in the men's eight in 1909 and double sculls in 1913.
Was Hermann Barrelet involved in gymnastics?
While some records reference him in the context of gymnastics, his documented competitive career as an athlete is defined by his achievements in rowing.
