Christa Merten

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexFemale
Full nameChrista•Merten (Basche-)
Used nameChrista•Merten
Born14 October 1944 in Dobbertin, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (GER)
Died1 July 1986 in Marbella, Málaga (ESP)
Measurements168 cm / 53 kg
AffiliationsBayer 04 Leverkusen, Leverkusen (GER)
NOC West Germany

Biography

Middle-distance runner Christa Merten competed in the 1,500 the 1972 München Olympics. She had her best international result at the European Indoors, winning silver in 1970, also finishing fifth in 1971 in the 1,500, and fourth in 1972 in the 800. Domestically Merten won three West German titles at different distances. She set two indoor world records over 1,000 and 1,500, and one outdoor with the 4x800 relay in the 1970s. Her husband Egon Mertens was a non-Olympian triple jumper. Merten was an export merchant. She sadly committed suicide at the Spanish bathing resort of Marbella in 1986.

Personal Best: 1500 – 4:12.60 (1972).

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1972 Summer Olympics Athletics FRG Christa Merten
1,500 metres, Women (Olympic) 6 h1 r1/3

Special Notes