Herbert Schade

Long-distance runner Herbert Schade was regarded as a favorite in 1952 in the 5,000 metres, but could not withstand the tempo changes of Czechoslovakian Emil Zátopek, and took the bronze medal. In 1956, Schade finished 12th in the 5K and ninth in the 10K. At the 1954 Europeans he was fourth at 10,000 metres. He won eight West German titles in the 5,000 and 10K.

From 1958-62 Schade worked in the department for promotion of young talents within the German Athletics Association DLV. Following differences he left and for a long time headed the Association of Former Athletes together with his wife (1978-90). In 1958 he published his autobiography, As a Track and Field Athlete in Five Continents and in 1972 he was on the athletics jury at the München Olympics.

Schade was educated as a baker, but later was employed by the town of Solingen and finally became head of the sports administration there. From 1957-62 he was head coach of West Germany’s long-distance runners, and then held several positions with the Lower Rhine Athletics Association. For his performances he was awarded several decorations – in 1955 the Rudolf Harbig Memorial Award, the DLV Silver Needle in 1962, in Gold in 1966, and the Silver Bay Leaf in 1951 and 1952, also receiving the Sports Badge of North Rhine Westfalia in 1967.

Personal Bests: 5000 – 14:06.6 (1952); 10000 – 29:24.8 (1952).