Helmut Kuhnert

East German speed skater Helmut Kuhnert was Germany’s first ever world class skater ever. He participated in three consecutive Winter Olympics from 1956-64. He surprised the speed skating world in Davos when he skated 10000 in 16:33.2, only 0.6 seconds behind Hjalmar Andersens famous world record from 1952, just a week before the 1956 Games in Cortina. His best finish was ninth in both the 5,000 metres in 1956 and in 1,500 metres in 1960. At the 1960 World Championships in Davos he won a bronze medal in the all-around event. In total, Kuhnert participated in eight Worlds from 1956-63 and two European Championships in 1956 and 1958. He also won 17 East German titles, including eight in the all-around competition between 1954-65. He became GDR national coach after his retirement from competitive skating.

Personal Bests: 500 – 41.8 (1964); 1500 – 2:12.4 (1960); 5000 – 8:03.0 (1956); 10000 – 16:33.2 (1956).