Friedrich Janke

Long-distance runner and steeplechaser Friedrich Janke was part of the mixed German team in 1956 and 1960. In 1956 at Melbourne, he was eliminated in the heats of the 5,000, while in 1960 at Roma he placed fourth. He competed at the 1958 and 1962 European Championships. Janke won several East German national titles over various distances – steeplechase (1954, 1956), cross-country (1956-58, 1963), 5K (1957, 1963), and 10K (1957, 1959, 1961-63). In 1958 Janke set an indoor world record in the 3000. His brother Waldemar was also a long-distance runner.

Janke moved to Mecklenburg after World War II, working as a farmer, then served with the Nationale Volksarmee (National People’s Army). He also worked as a successful long-distance coach, coaching among others Gunhild Hoffmeister, Ulrike Klapezynski-Bruns and Uta Pippig.

Personal Best: 5000 – 13:42.4 (1959).