Max Syring

Max Syring was a long-distance runner, nicknamed “The Iron Max.” He came in sixth in Los Angeles in the 5K and fifth in the 10K, while at Berlin in 1936, he retired during the 5,000. Overall, Syring won 19 German Championships in the 5K and 10K, in cross-country, and with the 4x1,500 relay. After World War II he also won a 7,500 m cross-country title in East Germany.

Syring was the first German under 15 min (1931) for 5,000 metres and under 31 min for 10,000 (1936). He competed in 30 international matches for Germany and an additional one for the former GDR after World War II. After the war, Syring was initially employed by his trainer Arthur Lambert in Wittenberg, then from 1953 as a coach at SC Lokomotive Leipzig. After defecting to Hamburg in the West in 1956, he worked full time as a clerk. He was married to Elly Zätzsch, one of three sisters, and the other two married his comrades Walter Schönrock and Karl-Heinz Becker. His sons Max Eckhard and Konrad were also athletes. In 1962 he was awarded the DLV needle in silver.

Personal Bests: 5000 – 14:39.0 (1939); 10000 – 30:06.6 (1940).