Jörg Drehmel

Born in the last month of World War II, Jörg Drehmel became one of the best triple jumpers of the former GDR. He won a silver medal at the 1972 Munich Games and collected gold at the 1967 European Championships, repeating that feat three years later at the European Indoors. He also took part in the 1969 (6th) and 1974 (4th) European Championships and the European Cup, winning in 1970, and placing second and fifth in 1973 and 1975 respectively. He also competed in the 1971 and 1974 European Indoors.

Domestically Drehmel was East German Champion in 1969-72, 1974 and 1976, runner-up in 1968 and 1973, and also indoor champion in 1969, 1970, 1972, 1974, and 1976. In 1970 he was the first German to jump over 17 m (17.13), and followed this up with two more East German records.

Drehmel was educated as a marine electronics specialist and became an officer in the Nationale Volksarmee, like many East German athletes. After his active career he worked as a coach, but was jobless after German reunification until becoming a trainer within the Landessportbund Brandenburg. Documents on doping in the GDR were found after reunification and Drehmel’s name was discovered in these files, but his case was not examined further.

Personal Best: TJ – 17.31 (1972).