Hans Faßl

West German hammer thrower Hans Faßl took part in the 1964 and 1968 Olympic Games, reaching the final in 1968 and placing 11th after throwing 66.36 m on his third attempt. He also took part in two European Championships (1962, 1966), placing ninth both times. In 1969 Faßl was again nominated for the Europeans but, due to the West German boycott, could not start. Domestically he won national hammer titles in 1961-63, was runner-up 1964-70, and was also national champion in the weight throw in 1962, 1967, and 1970. His non-Olympian uncle Alfred Schmidt, Sr. and his cousin Alfred Schmidt, Jr. became hammer throwers as well. Professionally Faßl was educated as a sports teacher.

This athlete’s given name was Hans Faßl, but it was misspelled many times as Hans Fahsl in English-speaking countries. Faßl began to use this incorrect spelling (Fahsl) in his sports career as it made it easier for him to register for sporting events.

Personal Best: HT – 70.78 (1971).