Ralf Reichenbach

Shot putter Ralf Reichenbach was later educated as a management administrator, worked as a business consultant, and owned several fitness studios in his hometown of Berlin. During his active career he participated in the Olympics in München (13th), Montréal (failed the qualification), and was nominated for the 1980 Moskva Games, where he could not start due to the US-led boycott.

At the World Cup Reichenbach finished third (1977) and fourth (1981), at the European Championships eleventh (1971), won a 1974 silver medal, and failed to qualify in 1978. At European Cups he was third (1975, 1977, 1981) and second (1979). Indoors, Reichenbach placed sixth at the Europeans in 1971 and 1977. Domestically he claimed the West German titles from 1972-75, and 1977-81, also indoors in 1971 and 1977. In 1980, he was awarded the Silver Bay Leaf.

In 1998 Reichenbach died from cardiac related causes, aged only 47 years. He was an admitted long-term user of anabolic steroids, although it is not certain if his early death was related. Reichenbach had spoken out liberally that use of performance-enhancing drugs should be allowed for all athletes.

Personal Best: SP – 21.51 (1980).