Eugen Ray

Sprinter Eugen Ray finished fifth in the 4×100 relay at the 1980 Moskva Games. He also reached the semifinals of the 100 but missed the final. He was runner-up at the 1977 World Cup in the 100, fourth at 200 metres, and was also runner-up with the sprint relay. In 1978, Ray won two silvers at the European Championships in the 100 metres and relay. He set a world record in the 100 indoor with 10.21 in 1976. Domestically, Ray won East German titles in the 100 in 1977-78 and 1980, adding three more titles indoors.

Ray, educated as an electrician, was a member of the People’s Police. He was married to sports shooter Marlies Kanthak in his second marriage and died tragically during a police rescue operation in a traffic accident. His son was born five months later.

Personal Best: 100 – 10.12 (1977).