François Bonlieu

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" .

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.

Early life François Pierre Philippe Bonlieu was born at Juvincourt-et-Damary, Aisne, on 21 March 1937. He experienced difficulty in childhood and was "virtually homeless". He had four siblings, two girls and two boys. He never knew his father. Edith married fellow Olympic skiing gold medalist Jean Vuarnet in 1958. Bonlieu lived with his sister and Vuarnet some of the time. Bonlieu was known for his unusual, antisocial, and morose personality and remarks, which at times shocked his fellow skiers and coaches. There was no public acknowledgement of his win; when he returned home, no one greeted him at the train station. In 1956, he was on the French Olympic skiing team alongside his sister, but did not medal.

1964 Winter Olympics He competed in the 1964 Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria. Prior to the competition, he stated he was "sure he would win", and that "in eight days I will have erased 10 years of emptiness". He often conflicted with , the coach of the French team. During the Olympics, Bonlieu again fought with coach Bonnet (as did several of the other skiers). Bonlieu privately said that he "declare war" on Bonnet, which through an Austrian journalist made its way to the headlines of a Paris newspaper. Initially the quietest member of the team, he eventually yelled at Bonnet to be absolutely silent when he started skiing. He placed a time of 1:46.71, beating out Karl Schranz and Josef Stiegler, both of Austria. He entered some of the gates unusually to make up time, including one which he entered backwards. He was found seriously injured on the night of the 16th in the basement of the Port Canto marina. Plans for a surgery were abandoned after his injury was assessed as too severe. Preliminary police inquiries were unable to determine if he had been attacked or had fallen by accident, and a full investigation was opened as a result.