Former 400-meter hurdles specialist Jean-Claude Nallet, a major figure in French athletics in the 1970s, European champion in the 400-meter hurdles in 1971 and long-time French record holder, died at his home on Saturday evening in the age of 76, Agence France-Presse (AFP) learned from the French Athletics Federation on Sunday. The native of Champdor in Ain, specialist in the 400 meters and 400 meters hurdles – a discipline of which he was European champion in Helsinki and multiple champion of France – had been elected champion of French champions by the daily newspaper L’Équipe in 1970.
In addition to his 1971 European title, he was also a gold medalist at the 1969 European Championships with the 4 x 400 meter tricolor relay. He also distinguished himself in 1970 in Colombes during a France-United States by beating the American Ralph Mann, world number one at the time.
His French record (48.94, electric time) set in 1974 was not beaten until 1990 by Stéphane Diagana. The latter, now a consultant for France Télévisions, paid tribute to him on the air during the Budapest Worlds which are currently taking place.
