Long-distance runner Klaus-Peter Hildenbrand won a totally surprising bronze medal in the 5K at the 1976 Montréal Olympic Games when he crossed the finish line with a dive just 0.12 seconds ahead of New Zealand’s Rod Dixon. He was also nominated for the 1980 Moscow Games, but due to the US-led boycott of the Western countries did not start. Hildenbrand placed eighth both at the 1974 European Championships and the 1975 European Cup. He was German Champion in the 5K in 1975-76, winning the 10K in 1976. In 1978 he added one more title with the 4x1,500 relay.
Personal Best: 5000 – 13:13.69 (1976).
West Germany