The Olympic Oath and so Much More: A Biographical Interpretive Analysis of the Life of Victor Boin, 1886–1974

Abstract

Victor Boin (1886–1974) was one of Belgium’s most multi-talented athletes of the first quarter of the twentieth century, as evidenced by his achievements as an Olympic medallist in both water polo and fencing, and as a former vice-world champion, European champion, and Belgian champion in respectively swimming, ice skating, and jiujitsu. On a global level, Boin is well known for being the first modern athlete who swore the Olympic oath on behalf of all competing athletes during the 1920 Olympics in Antwerp. However, less international scholarly attention has been paid to Boin’s important role concerning the development, promotion, and professionalization of sports and physical education in Belgium and beyond. Drawing on a biographical interpretive analysis, this study enhances understanding about Boin’s multifaceted career as an athlete, (sports) journalist, and sports manager. Both primary (for example, archival documents, visual representations, and audio-visual materials) and secondary sources are examined to contextualize Boin’s life in light of relevant historical events and evolutions in both Belgian and international Olympic sports.