Willy Eichenberger

Willy Eichenberger was a Swiss sprinter participating at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. He was eliminated in both the 200 metres and 4x100 metres relay and did not start for the 4x400 metres relay despite being initially selected.

Eichenberger was also nominated for the 1956 Olympics, but Switzerland did not participate at those Games because, for political reasons, the Swiss delegation was prevented from leaving the country. The anti-communist Swiss Gymnastics Federation (ETV) initiated an Olympic boycott led by former gymnasts Josef Stadler and Jack Günthard who were known for their political views as the driving forces behind the initiative. More than 40 athletes were denied participation because the Soviet Union invaded Hungary on 4 November 1956. The Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ) reported on the frustrated athletes who subsequently founded the “Melbourne Club”. Eichenberger possibly retired after these experiences.

Eichenberger won Swiss national 200 metres hurdles titles in 1953-55, and both the 4x100 and the 4x200 relays in 1952-53. He also won the so-called Sweden relay in 1953. He participated in the 1950 and 1954 European Championships with little success.

Personal Bests: 100 – 10.8 (1951); 200 – 21.9 (1953).