Robert Fournier-Sarlovèze, French polo player and politician (d. 1937)
Mortimer Henri-Robert Fournier-Sarlovèze (January 14, 1869 – July 13, 1937) was a distinguished figure in early 20th-century France, renowned for his parallel careers as a prominent politician and an accomplished polo player, notably earning an Olympic medal. Born in the vibrant heart of Paris, France, he later passed away in Compiègne, a town with significant historical ties to equestrianism and aristocratic life.
A Life of Dual Distinction: Politics and Sport
Mortimer Fournier-Sarlovèze embodied the multifaceted elite of his era, seamlessly blending a significant political career with high-level sporting achievements. His life spanned a period of immense change in France, from the Belle Époque to the interwar years, during which he contributed both to national governance and the burgeoning world of international sport.
Political Career and Contributions
Fournier-Sarlovèze was deeply involved in French political life, primarily representing the Oise department, a region north of Paris. His commitment to public service was evident through his long tenure in various capacities:
- Deputy for Oise: He served as a Member of Parliament (Député) for the Oise department during two distinct periods: from 1910 to 1914 and again from 1919 to 1928. In this role, he participated in national legislative processes, addressing issues pertinent to his constituency and the broader French public.
- General Councillor for Oise: Prior to and overlapping with his time as Deputy, he was a General Councillor for the Canton of Ressons-sur-Matz within the Oise department, holding this local administrative position from 1904 to 1928. This role underscored his dedication to regional development and local governance.
His political career reflected a period when aristocratic lineage often intersected with public service, allowing individuals like Fournier-Sarlovèze to leverage their influence and background for the benefit of their communities and the nation.
Olympic Glory in Polo at the 1900 Paris Games
Beyond his political endeavors, Mortimer Fournier-Sarlovèze achieved international recognition as a talented polo player. His most notable sporting accomplishment came at the 1900 Summer Olympics, held in his birth city of Paris.
- The 1900 Paris Olympics: These were the second modern Olympic Games and uniquely integrated into the concurrent Exposition Universelle (World's Fair). This integration meant that many events lacked the distinct organization seen in later Games, and some were even contested by "mixed teams" comprising athletes from different nations, rather than strictly national squads. Polo, a sport traditionally associated with cavalry and high society, made its Olympic debut in Paris.
- Bronze Medal Victory: In the 1900 Olympic polo tournament, Mortimer Fournier-Sarlovèze was a key member of the "Bagatelle Polo Club de Paris" team. This team, though representing a prestigious French club, was a mixed international squad, common for the era, and featured players such as himself (French), Frederick Freake (Great Britain), Walter Buckmaster (Great Britain), and Jean de Neuflize (French). Their strong performance secured the bronze medal, marking a significant achievement in the nascent history of Olympic polo and for the Bagatelle Polo Club. The Bagatelle club, located in the Bois de Boulogne, was a renowned center for equestrian sports and a hub for Parisian elite, making their Olympic participation a point of pride for French polo.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mortimer Fournier-Sarlovèze
- Who was Mortimer Henri-Robert Fournier-Sarlovèze?
- He was a prominent French politician who served as a Deputy and General Councillor for the Oise department, and an accomplished polo player who won a bronze medal at the 1900 Paris Summer Olympics.
- What was his connection to the 1900 Summer Olympics?
- He participated as a polo player and was part of the "Bagatelle Polo Club de Paris" team that secured the bronze medal in the inaugural Olympic polo tournament held in Paris.
- Which political roles did he hold?
- Mortimer Fournier-Sarlovèze served as a Deputy for Oise from 1910-1914 and 1919-1928, and as a General Councillor for the Canton of Ressons-sur-Matz (Oise) from 1904-1928.
- Where was Mortimer Fournier-Sarlovèze born and where did he die?
- He was born in Paris, France, on January 14, 1869, and passed away in Compiègne, France, on July 13, 1937.