A renowned East German sprinter who won numerous Olympic and World Championship gold medals, setting multiple world records in the 100m and 4x100m relay events.
Marlies Ghr, born Marlies Oelsner on March 21, 1958, in Gera, East Germany, is a former track and field athlete who revolutionized the world of sprinting with her incredible speed and dominance in the 100 meters event. She is best known for winning the inaugural World Championships in 1983, setting multiple world records, and ranking in the top 10 of the 100m world rankings for an impressive 12 straight years.
Ghr, competing under her maiden name Oelsner, began her international career in 1975 at the European Athletics Junior Championships in Athens, where she finished second in the 100m. She then qualified for the 100m final at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal, finishing eighth, but went on to win her first Olympic gold medal on East Germany's victorious 4 x 100m relay team.
1977 was a landmark year for Ghr, as she won the 100m title at the East German championships in Dresden with a world record time of 10.88 seconds. This was the first time a woman had run under 11 seconds with electronic timing. She also won the 100m title at the inaugural World Cup in Dusseldorf, where she won a silver medal in the relay. Her unique style of running, dubbed the "sewing machine" or "staccato" for the high frequency of relatively short-paced strides, began to make her a household name.
Ghr continued to dominate the sprinting world in the 1980s. In 1980, she confirmed herself as the firm favorite for the Olympic 100m title, running 10.98 seconds at Potsdam, followed by an 11.00 seconds at Jena, and a scorching 10.93 seconds at Dresden. She went on to win the gold medal in the 100m at the 1983 World Championships in Helsinki, cementing her status as the fastest woman in the world.
Marlies Ghr's achievements on the track have left a lasting impact on the world of athletics. Her numerous world records, Olympic and World Championship titles, and dominance in the sprinting world have made her an icon of the sport. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of athletes, coaches, and fans alike.
As we look back on her illustrious career, it's clear that Marlies Ghr was a true pioneer in the world of sprinting. Her speed, dedication, and perseverance have made her one of the all-time greats, and her place in the annals of athletic history is forever secure.
69 Years Old
A world-class sprinter who dominated the 400 meters in the 1970s and 1980s, setting multiple world records that stood for decades.
61 Years Old
A German athlete who dominated the track and field scene in the 1980s and 1990s, winning numerous Olympic and World Championship medals in the 100m and long jump events.
67 Years Old
East German swimmer who won four Olympic gold medals and set multiple world records in the 1970s, dominating women's swimming in her era.
