Theodor Scheidl

Austrian track & field athlete Theodor Scheidl qualified for the 1906 Intercalated Athens Olympics when he won the standing long jump (2.85 m), high jump (1.35 m), and standing high jump (1.06 m) at the Austrian selection competition held in Vienna (WAC field) on 8 April 1906. He then placed 12th in the standing long jump and ninth in the ancient pentathlon at the Olympics. He also participated in the high jump, standing high jump (disqualified), and the Greek style discus throw, with unknown results.

Scheidl was also a versatile swimmer, holding the Austrian record over 68-metres breaststroke for several years. He participated in several other swimming, diving, and gymnastic competitions. He occasionally competed under the pseudonym “Petit”, although he was two metres tall.

Scheidl studied singing in Vienna with Alois Grienauer and became a well-known baritone. His opera singing career began in 1910 at Wiener Volksoper in Richard Wagner’s opera Lohengrin. He then had engagements at Moravian Theatre Olomouc (1910-12), State Theatre Augsburg (1912-13), and Württemberg Court Theatre Stuttgart (1913-21). From 1921-33 Scheidl was a member of the Berlin State Opera and from 1934-37 of the New German Theatre Praha. Scheidl also appeared several times at the Bayreuth Festival performing different characters in Wagner Operas. Additionally, he had several guest roles in Stockholm, Amsterdam, Milano and Vienna.

Scheidl performed in several world premieres and his repertoire comprised more than 100 characters. During and after World War II he earned his living as a voice teacher in München and Tübingen, where he died at the age of 78.

Personal Best: HJ – 1.65 (1907).