Vincent Saurin

Vincent Saurin rowed singles sculls at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, going out in the quarter-finals. He also competed at the European Championships from 1930-35 in singles, placing second in 1932 and third in 1931 and 1934. He was a seven-time French Champion in singles between 1925-35, winning in 1925 and consecutively from 1930-35. Near the end of his career he moved to sweep oars, winning a French title in coxless fours in 1939 and placing second in the eight in 1943. He rowed for Société Nautique Lagny (SNL).

Saurin’s father was William Saurin, who in 1907 founded the William Saurin Company, a leader for French canned ready-made meals. His father sponsored SNL, his son’s rowing club. Vincent Saurin succeeded his father at the helm of the family company, and also sponsored SNL from 1952-88. Vincent Saurin was known for his use of advertising and promotional campaigns on radio and television, which helped promote the brand and make it one of the most popular in France.