Paul Falk

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full namePaul•Falk
Used namePaul•Falk
Born21 December 1921 in Dortmund, Nordrhein-Westfalen (GER)
Died20 May 2017 in Queidersbach, Rheinland-Pfalz (GER)
AffiliationsDüsseldorfer EG, Düsseldorf (GER)
NOC Germany
Nationality West Germany
Medals OG
Gold 1
Silver 0
Bronze 0
Total 1

Biography

Paul Falk married his partner Ria Falk during their career in pairs figure skating. They were undefeated in their career and won the gold medal at the 1952 Oslo Olympic Winter Games. In 1952, the father of Peter and Karole Kennedy challenged their amateur status, and investigations lasted until shortly before the start of the Winter Olympics, but they were then dismissed. From 1947-52 the Falks won six consecutive German titles. In 1951 they were allowed to participate in international competitions and won the European and the World Championships that year, defending both titles in 1952.

In 1951 they also became roller skating World Champions. Both later joined the professional ice revue Holiday On Ice. Paul was elected Sportsman of the Year 1951. Paul Falk’s profession was as a precision engineer. When he died in 2017 after a long illness, he was the oldest living German Olympic Champion.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal Nationality As
1952 Winter Olympics Figure Skating (Skating) GER FRG Paul Falk
Pairs, Mixed (Olympic) Ria Falk 1 Gold

Olympic family relations

Special Notes