Manfred Kokot

In 1971 Manfred Kokot was the first East German sprinter to run 10 flat for 100 metres. At the 1972 München Olympics he finished fifth with the sprint relay and was eliminated in the second round of the 100. Four years later in Montréal he won a silver medal with the sprint relay. Kokot won a bronze medal with the sprint relay at the 1974 Europeans, adding a silver medal in 1978. He also helped the East German sprint relay team win the 1973 European Cup and place second at the 1977 World Cup. He claimed three more medals in the 60 m at the European Indoors – bronze in 1971, and silver in 1973-74. Domestically he won two outdoor and five indoor titles. Kokot set eight indoor world records in the 50 m, 60 m, and 100 yards. His daughter Johanna and his brother Reinhold also became international successful sprinters.

Manfred Kokot was educated as an electrician for diesel locomotives, first working at Leipzig Central Station, and he later became a car representative and ran an electrical repair company.

Personal Best: 100 – 10.0 (1971).