Roger Lebranchu, a French World War II veteran who defied unimaginable odds to survive Nazi concentration camps and later represented his country as an Olympian, has passed away at the age of 102.
The French Rowing Federation confirmed his death on Friday, marking the loss of a figure who embodied resilience and dedication to both his country and the sport of rowing.
Lebranchu’s life story was one of courage, from his early defiance of Nazi occupation to his athletic achievements on the world stage.
During the Second World War, Lebranchu refused to comply with the Nazis’ Obligatory Labour Service, a policy that forced French civilians to work for the German military.
Instead, he joined the French Resistance in southeastern France, contributing to the fight against the occupying forces. In 1943, he was arrested and deported to the notorious Buchenwald concentration camp, and later to its annex in Schönebeck.
As the war neared its end, and with the Allied forces closing in, Lebranchu managed to escape when the camp was evacuated in 1945, an extraordinary feat that marked the beginning of his post-war life.
Lebranchu’s resilience did not stop with the war. Upon his return to France, he pursued a career in rowing, quickly rising to prominence.
He became the French rowing champion in 1946 and 1947, and in 1948, he represented France at the London Olympic Games in the coxed eight event.
The team finished an admirable fourth place, a remarkable achievement that solidified Lebranchu’s place in French Olympic history.
Despite the passing of decades, Lebranchu’s passion for rowing never waned. He continued to row until the age of 79, demonstrating the same dedication and perseverance that had marked his earlier life.
His connection to the sport remained strong, and in 2024, at the age of 101, he had the honor of carrying the Olympic flame as it passed through Mont-Saint-Michel in anticipation of the Paris Games.
Preparing for the relay, Lebranchu trained alongside his grandson, carrying a 1.5-liter bottle of water in place of the Olympic torch.
The French Olympic Committee confirmed that Lebranchu was the oldest living male Olympian from France, further emphasizing the significance of his long and remarkable life.
In addition to his Olympic career, Lebranchu was also honored with the title of Commander of the Legion of Honor, one of France’s highest distinctions, a fitting tribute to his bravery and lifelong commitment to his country.
Roger Lebranchu’s death marks the passing of a truly extraordinary individual—someone who survived the darkest chapters of history and continued to inspire future generations through his achievements both on and off the water.
He will be remembered not only as a champion athlete but also as a symbol of perseverance, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit.
