Hinrich John

Hurdler Hinrich John was eliminated in the semifinals of the 110 m at both the 1964 and 1968 Olympics. He was runner-up at the 1966 European Championships and placed fourth at the 1965 European Cup. He claimed two golds (1960, 1965), three silvers (1960, 1966, 1968) and two bronzes (1961, 1962) at the Military World Championships (CISM). From 1964-68 he won five consecutive West German titles, also winning the 1965 indoor 200 metre hurdles, the last time it was held, and the 1966 indoor 50 metre titles.

John was awarded the Rudolf-Harbig-Gedächtnispreisträger (1968), and also the Silver Bay Leaf in 1967. Both of his sons Hendrik and Helge also became track & field athletes. Hinrich John was a professional soldier in the German Bundeswehr. He was promoted to lieutenant and became commander of the Navy Signal School at Flensburg. In his youth he was also an avid motocross driver, windsurfer and handball player, while in his later years he played tennis.

Personal Best: 110H – 13.87 (1968).