René Schöfisch

Outside of the 1984 season, René Schöfisch did not see much international speed skating action. But that year, he was among the world’s best distance skaters, placing third in the Olympic 5000 and 10000 m behind Tomas Gustafson and Igor Malkov. Schöfisch also competed in that year’s World Allround Championships, placing 5th in the 10000 m. His only titles came in national competition, winning the 5000 m and 10000 m at the 1983 East German distance championships, winning the 10k title again in 1984 and 1986.

Schöfisch remained active until 1991. Originally a mechanic, he has since worked as a salesman for a plumbing outfit. His family has also been involved in speed skating, his wife Birgit Czak winning the East German allround title in 1981, and his son Kay competing in National Championships in 2005 and 2006.

Personal Bests: 500 – 40.79 (1985); 1000 – 1:21.6 (1990); 1500 – 2:02.5 (1988); 5000 – 6:58.80 (1988); 10000 – 14:32.7 (1988).