Zenta Gastl-Kopp

Hurdler Zenta Gastl-Kopp was eliminated in the semifinals of the 80 hurdles both at the 1956 and the 1960 Olympic Games in Melbourne and Roma. At the 1954 Europeans she finished fourth and won a silver medal in 1958. She was West German Champion in the 80 hurdles in 1955-56, 1958-60, also winning indoors in 1959, and winning the long jump in 1959-60. Her greatest moments came when she set two 80 hurdles world records in 1956 and 1959, recording 10.6.

Between her two Olympic appearances Gastl married non-Olympian shot putter Richard Kopp. Gastl-Kopp was educated as a school teacher. In 2001, a pathway near her hometown Frechen stadium was named in her honor.

Personal Best: 80H – 10.6 (1956).