Manfred Steinbach

Sprinter and long jumper Manfred Steinbach grew up in Quedlinburg and initially started for East Germany. After his parents fled to the West in 1953, he followed in 1958. Later he became professor of sports medicine and was one of the most highly regarded German sports medicine specialists with the German Athletics Association DLV, until a scandal involving AIDS-contaminated blood came up in 1993. He was a member of the German Athletics Association from 1973-93, receiving several awards: DLV needle in silver (1980) and gold (1985), Silver Bay Leaf (09/12/1960), Carl-Diem-shield (1993); and held several positions: DLV teaching coach (1973-85), DLV sports manager (1985-89), DLV sports director (1989-93), and was 1967-69 Chairman of the “Association of Former Athletes”.

Steinbach studied medicine from 1952-58 in Halle and Göttingen, graduating in 1958 as a specialist in neurology and psychiatry, and he habilitated in 1966. He then became Director of the Institute for Sports Medicine in Mainz from 1966-70, while from 1970-77 he was Head of Health as Deputy Director in Wiesbaden, and then from 1977-93 he was Head of Health as Deputy Director in Bonn. Beginning in 1993 Steinbach was Medical Director of the Johannesbad rehab clinics in Bad Fussing, and from 1999-2008 was President of the German Spas Association.

Steinbach competed in the 100 at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics but was eliminated in the heats. In 1960 at Roma he started as a long jumper and placed fourth. In East Germany Steinbach was national champion in the 100, 200 and with the 4x100 relay in 1956. In West Germany he was national long jump champion from 1960-62. His championship jump in 1960 (8.14) was the first mark to better Jesse Owens legendary world record of 8.13 from 1935, but it was wind-aided (3.2 mps) and was not ratified as a record.

Personal Bests: 100 – 10.4 (1956); LJ – 8.00 (1960).