Thomas Zacharias

Thomas Zacharias was a West German high jumper who failed to reach the final at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. He finished ninth, eighth and fifth at the European Indoors in 1969-71, respectively. In 1968, Zacharias won his only West German outdoor title, but added two more indoors in 1970 and 1971. In 1970, he was the first West European to clear 2.20 metres, and in 2013, he set a European record clearing 1.62 in the Over 65-class. He established in total 33 Masters world records between 1977 (M30) and 2014 (M65) and is since 1997 still record holder in the cathegory of M50 years with 2m (as of 2023)!

Zacharias was the son of “magic violinist” Helmut Zacharias (1920-2002), who, with others, composed the fanfare for the West German TV channels ARD and ZDF at the 1968 Olympics. Thomas was a successful inventor of didactic sports equipment, especially the “Zacharias hurdle” that especially helps beginners learn to hurdle. Unlike competitive hurdles it is adjustable in height, padded and yields slightly under pressure.

He published a book on high and long jump technique, two books on in-depth psychology and self-awareness and another on golf swing technique. For two years, he was national coach for straddle high jumpers, served as youth coach at USC Mainz, and for four years was the psychological coach for the German national golf program. His brother Stephan was a well-known composer and film producer.

Furthermore, his first and even more successful invention was the Zacharias “Latte” - also for training and teaching, inflatable hose band with tensioning device. It was proven a million times over and placed on the market for sports facility suppliers since 1976.

Personal Best: HJ – 2.22i (1971).