Roger Lebranchu’s life is an inspirational tale of hope and courage. He fought against all odds to pursue his passion and led a glorious and eventful life, with many stories to pass down to the next generations. The French rower passed away on January 10th, 2025, leaving an illustrious legacy. Although his life seems straight out of fiction, it is as real as possible. From surviving concentration camps during WWII in Germany to carrying the torch at the relay event in last year’s Paris Olympics, the man has done it all!

The holocaust is undoubtedly the darkest chapter of modern human history. Lebranchu soon found himself in the clutches of the holocaust when he was arrested for attempting to escape North Africa to join the French Resistance in 1943. However, this phenomenal man persisted through such dark times and refused to bow down to adversity. Like a true sportsperson, his greatest weapons were optimism and perseverance.

Roger Lebranchu was determined to be known as someone more than just a “holocaust survivor”. He wanted to row for France. Soon after the American troops evacuated the Buchenwald camp, Lebranchu set out to become a sportsperson. However, there was one last promise he had to honor before he could begin his journey to greatness. The French Olympian and his father had mouthed, “See you later” at each other before Lebranchu’s arrest. After regaining freedom, he met with his father at a metro station in Paris, hence keeping the promise.

This French rower went ahead in life to have an extraordinary career. He emerged as the French Rowing Champion in 1946 and 1947. He also represented France at the Summer Olympics in London in 1948, finishing 4th in the rowing event. Lebranchu rowed gloriously till the age of 79. He shocked people for one last time by carrying the Olympic flame ahead of the Summer Games in Paris in 2024. “It is a huge honour”, and “I carry peace”, were some of his words concerning the honor bestowed upon him.

Survivors amid all adversities: Lebranchu, Keleti, Helfgott

Roger Lebranchu lived an exceptional life. He set an example of courage, dedication, and passion. Our history has witnessed other such people who lived extraordinarily. Much like Roger Lebranchu, they refused adversities to bog them down. They have risen against all odds, leaving the world in awe of their capabilities and hard work.

Agnes Keleti left us behind in a world that is much less phenomenal without her. The Olympic gold medalist passed away on January 2nd, 2025. Her life in Hungary took a turn for the worse when the dark shadows of WWII engulfed the country in 1944. However, like Lebranchu, she was not a victim of her circumstances. She went on to become one of the oldest gymnasts in Olympic history, too. She rebuilt her life after the war, eventually winning gold, silver, and bronze medals. What an inspiration!

Sir Ben Helfgott was also a Holocaust survivor, but he is known for far more than that. Helfgott was already a British weightlifting champion before moving on to the Olympics. Although Ben could not secure Olympic medals, he did not care, “But I never expected to“, he said. “I was working and only had about five hours a week to practise“. The weightlifter won gold medals at the “Jewish Olympics” or the Maccabiah Games wherein he represented Britain in 1950, 1953, and 1957. Sir Helfgott passed away in 2016, leaving a plethora of admirers behind.

Roger Lebranchu, Agnes Keleti, and Ben Helfgott lived lives bigger than their adversities. Their actions and accomplishments will continue to speak for themselves for many years. They lived by example and inspire many athletes to this day. They are a source of phenomenal strength for many. To quote the spectacular gymnast Agnes Keleti, from her interview with the Associated Press in 2020, “The past? Let’s talk about the future”, “That’s what should be beautiful“. We wholeheartedly agree with her!