Lutz Heßlich

Lutz Heßlich was the greatest track sprinter never to ride as a professional. His total of four amateur world titles (1979, 1983, 1985, 1987) were bettered only by Daniel Morelon. Additionally, Heßlich was runner-up on three occasions (1981-82, 1986) and won Olympic gold in 1980 at Moskva and 1988 at Seoul, years in which no amateur World Championships were staged. He also won the Grand Prix de Paris six times, the most important invitational sprint race.

Heßlich might have won three consecutive gold medals at the Olympics had East Germany not boycotted the Los Angeles Olympics. In 1976 and 1977, Heßlich was also the Junior World Champion in the sprint. Domestically, he earned 10 track sprint titles between 1978 and 1988. After his active career Heßlich became a member of the NOC of former GDR and after German re-unification of the NOC of Germany.

Heßlich studied sports in the former GDR and had the chance to start a coaching career in his hometown of Cottbus. Nevertheless, it seemed to be uncertain during re-unification so he founded a bicycle shop at Cottbus. His son Nico also became a nationally successful track sprinter.