François Bonlieu

François Bonlieu
Bonlieu, pictured in 1964
Personal information
National team France
BornFrançois Pierre Philippe Bonlieu
(1937-03-21)21 March 1937
Died18 August 1973(1973-08-18) (aged 36)
Croisette, Cannes, France
OccupationAlpine skier
Height167 cm (5 ft 6 in)
Weight60 kg (132 lb)
RelativeEdith Bonlieu (sister)
Sport
Medal record
Men's alpine skiing
Representing  France
Olympic Games
1964 Innsbruck Giant slalom
World Championships
1964 Innsbruck Giant slalom
1954 Åre Giant slalom
1958 Bad Gastein Giant slalom

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.