Olaf Prenzler

Olaf Prenzler was a sprinter who specialized in the 200 m. In Moskva, he reached the semifinals at the 1980 Olympics. At the 1979 World Cup he placed fourth both in the 100 m and with the sprint relay. His greatest moment came in 1982 winning the gold medal in the 200 m at the European Championships. He added four more silver medals at the Europeans in 1978 (200 m and sprint relay), 1982 and 1986 (sprint relay). He also won a silver medal at the 1985 European Indoors in the 200 m. Domestically Prenzler won East German titles in the 100 m in 1979, the 200 m in 1978 and 1983, and with the relay in 1979, 1981 and 1985. Prenzler also won East German indoor titles in the 200 metres in 1985-87.

Many documents on doping in the former GDR became public after reunification, and his name was found in the list of doped athletes. Prenzler studied sports science but after reunification worked as an insurance agent. His son Steven also became a sprinter.

Personal Best: 200 – 20.46 (1982).