Etienne Gailly

Étienne Gailly (; 26 November 1922, Beringen – 3 November 1971, Genval) was a Belgian soldier and Olympic athlete who competed mainly in the Marathon.

Career Étienne Gailly was a Belgian who served as a paratrooper during World War II. Towards the end of the War, as he participated in the liberation of his home country in late 1944, Gailly was profoundly moved by the devastation to his home. He vowed that he would win an Olympic gold medal or drop trying.

He was a club runner, wearing the colors of London's Belgrave Harriers.

However, nearing the stadium and the finish, he suddenly ran out of gas. As he faded, Gailly was reeled in by Delfo Cabrera (ARG) and Tom Richards (GBR). Entering the stadium in the lead but stumbling with exhaustion, the crowd roaring encouragement, he was passed by Cabrera during the final lap. He fell and was then passed by Richards. Despite falling again, he dragged himself half-standing over the line. He finished third to a standing ovation. Cabrera finished in 2:34:51.6, Richards in 2:35.07.6, and Gailly in 2:35.33.6.

Gailly was unable to attend the victory ceremony because his efforts put him in hospital.

Gailly contested the 1950 European Championship marathon, but his subsequent career was cut short by an injury sustained during service in the Korean War. During the Battle of Haktang-ni, Gailly stepped on a trip-flare sustaining a minor wound.

Other

Both Étienne and his brother Pierre served during the Korean War as part of the Belgian United Nations Command. Pierre Gailly was killed in action, Étienne seriously wounded.