At the French championships, Calmat Alain Giletti was only able to leave behind in 1958. From 1954 to 1965 he took part in all European championships and never placed worse than fifth. He reached the podium six times, two times being vice European champion and from 1962 to 1964 three times in a row European champion, once before Karol Divín and twice before Manfred Schnelldorfer . Calmat took part in eleven world championships . In 1960 and 1962 he was third, in 1963 and 1964 vice world champion, once behind Donald McPherson and once behind Manfred Schnelldorfer. In 1965 Calmat finally became world champion, ahead of the American Scott Allen . Calmat participated in the Olympic Games in 1956 , 1960 and 1964 . In 1964 he was the favorite in the tournament, but lost to Manfred Schnelldorfer and won the silver medal. At the age of 24 he retired from active sport in 1965. At the 1968 Olympic Games in Grenoble , he lit the Olympic flame .