Hoffman, Jean

Sport:
water polo

Country Represented:
Belgium

Years Competed:
1912

Medals Received:
bronze

Olympic Info:
At the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, Hoffman was a member of the Belgian water polo team that captured the bronze medal. Belgium lost their first game against Great Britain, 7-5, despite taking a 2-0 lead early in the game. They won their next two contests, 6-5, over Hungary and 4-1, over France, to qualify for the semifinals. Because of their loss to Britain, however, the best the Belgians could hope for was the silver medal.

After Austria lost to Sweden in an elimination match for second place, Belgium then defeated the Austrians, 5-4, to guarantee themselves at least the bronze medal. In their final game, the Belgians faced Sweden to determine who would be awarded the silver medal; Hoffman and Belgians fell, 4-2, and won the bronze. During the tournament, water polo was played with a leather soccer ball which absorbed water causing it to become heavy, slippery, and lopsided.

Birth and Death Dates:
unknown

Origin:
Belgium

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