Martin Lauer
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| Olympic medal record | |||
| Men’s Athletics | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | 1960 Rome | 4x100m relay | |
Karl Martin Lauer (born January 2, 1937) is a former West German athlete, winner of gold medal in 4x100 m relay at the 1960 Summer Olympics.
Born in Cologne, Lauer was a German champion in 110 m hurdles from 1956 to 1960 and in decathlon in 1956.
At the 1956 Summer Olympics, Lauer finished fourth in 110 m hurdles and was fifth in decathlon. At the 1958 European Championships, Lauer won the gold in 110 m hurdles. In 1958 Lauer also ran his first world record, being a member of German's 4x100 m relay team, which ran 39.5. In 1959, Lauer ran his second world record (13.2), this time in his main event of 110 m hurdles. At the end of the year he was named Athlete of the Year by the sportsmagazine Track & Field News, the first ever of the annual election.
At the Rome Olympics Lauer was again fourth in 110 m hurdles and ran the anchoring leg in the German's 4x100 m relay team. In the final the Germans finished second behind the United States, but 15 minutes after the final it was announced that the USA had been disqualified for an incorrect exchange. Germany's time, 39.5 equalled their own world record.
After the Olympics Lauer was forced to retire from sports due the injury and began his new career as a country singer.
| Awards | ||
|---|---|---|
Preceded by Fritz Thiedemann |
German Sportsman of the Year 1959 |
Succeeded by Georg Thoma |
| Preceded by — |
Track & Field Athlete of the Year 1959 |
Succeeded by Rafer Johnson |
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