Paul Michaux

Paul Michaux
Paul Michaux in the late nineteenth or early twentieth century
Born	Paul-Marie Michaux (1854-11-16)16 November 1854 Metz, France
Died	21 November 1923(1923-11-21) (aged 69) Paris, France
Nationality	French
Occupation(s)	Surgeon and clinical director
Known for	Founding president of the Fédération gymnastique et sportive des patronages de France (later became the Fédération sportive et culturelle de France) Founding vice-president of the Fédération internationale catholique d'éducation physique et sportive First president of the Conférence Olivaint
Awards	Grand Cross of the Order of St. Sylvester Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honour Cross of Commander of the Order of St. Gregory the Great

Doctor Paul Michaux (born Paul-Marie Michaux; 16 November 1854 – 21 November 1923) was a French surgeon. After studying at the Paul Verlaine University – Metz, he migrated to Paris, where he actively participated in the Conférence Olivaint and later became president of the organisation. After completing an internship and thesis, his career led him into various hospitals in the city and suburbs, where he developed medical innovations and performed research. As a member of the parish patronage committee, Michaux's moral and religious beliefs led him to establish a type of gymnastics specifically intended for Christian Patriots. His enthusiasm for the sport was reflected with the foundation of the Fédération gymnastique et sportive des patronages de France in 1898, which later became the Fédération sportive et culturelle de France, the foundation of the Fédération gymnastique et sportive des patronages de France in 1898 (later the Fédération sportive et culturelle de France), an organisation which took prompt steps to support team sports (including football and basketball) as well as choral music.

Michaux organised two major gymnastic competitions, which both contributed to the founding of the Fédération internationale catholique d'éducation physique et sportive in 1911. Following the end of the First World War, Michaux organised a gymnastic competition in his hometown of Metz. At his funeral in November 1923, many representatives of both the military and the medical profession as well as over 3,000 gymnasts were in attendance. His involvement in the fields of sports and business earned him many accolades, including being appointed as a Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honour by Marshal Ferdinand Foch. Michaux was awarded the Cross of Commander of the Order of St. Gregory the Great by Pope Pius X, and in 1911 he received the Grand Cross of the Order of St. Sylvester.