François Bonlieu
Bonlieu, pictured in 1964 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| National team | France | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | François Pierre Philippe Bonlieu 21 March 1937 Juvincourt-et-Damary, Aisne, France | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Died | 18 August 1973 (aged 36) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Occupation | Alpine skier | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 167 cm (5 ft 6 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 60 kg (132 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Relative | Edith Bonlieu (sister) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Medal record
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François Pierre Philippe Bonlieu (21 March 1937 – 18 August 1973) was a French alpine skier. Bonlieu debuted for the French alpine skiing national team when he was 15 years old, and placed second in the Alpine World Ski Championships at the age of 17. His career was interrupted by his service in the Algerian War. He was a four time French Champion (twice in the giant slalom, once each in the slalom and Alpine combined), and won the gold medal in the 1964 Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria in the Giant slalom. Due to his short height, Bonlieu was often referred to as "the little prince" (French: Le Petite Prince).
Unlike other French skiers of the time, Bonlieu was not popular with the public and attracted little fame or celebrity. Known for his unusual and morose personality and remarks, he would often disappear for days on end. He often conflicted with and shocked his coaches and fellow skiers. He was murdered in 1973 in Cannes under unclear circumstances.