Andreas Dietel

Andreas Dietel was an East German allround speed skater who closely missed the Olympic podium at the 1980 Lake Placid Winter Games. He finished an unfortunate fourth in the 1,500 metres event and was seventh in the 1,000 metres. Four years later at Sarajevo, he finished seventh in the 1,000 and sixth in the 1,500. In World Championships, Dietel finished in 8th position at the 1983 Allround Worlds, as well as the 1981 and 1983 Sprint Worlds. At the European Championships, he twice finished 6th, in both 1981 and 1983. Domestically, he won seven titles, twice in allround (1978, 1983), sprint (1984), 500 m (1983), 1,000 m (1980, 1983) and 1,500 m (1980). A true allrounder, he also bettered national records in distances as diverse as the 500 m and the 10,000 m.

Only a few days after the 1984 Winter Games, GDR officials accused Dietel of doping practices and banned him from further competitive sports activities. The real reason for his ban might have been that he had flirted with Katharina Witt during the Olympics.

Personal Bests: 500 – 37.78 (1983); 1000 – 1:17.01 (1981); 1500 – 1:55.41 (1980); 5000 – 7:09.73 (1980); 10000 – 14:34.89 (1980).