Joachim Kirst

Decathlete Joachim Kirst finished fifth at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, but did not finish the event in 1972. He had his greatest moments at the 1969 and 1971 European Championships winning both titles. Kirst worked as a professional photographer in East Germany until German reunification, creating sports photographs at many competitions. He was married to former high jumper Rita Schmidt and became Jutta Kirst’s brother-of-law after her marriage to his brother Edgar, also a nationally successful high jumper.

After German reunification Kirst moved to Rheinland Palatinate and became a regional youth coach from 1992-97, and was eventually a sports teacher within the Sportbund of Rheinland Palatinate. He then returned to his home becoming Director of the Talent Training Centre at Zeulenroda from 2000-10.

Personal Best: Dec – 8188 (1971).