Karl Leban

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameKarl•Leban
Used nameKarl•Leban
Born27 November 1908 in Goražde, Bosansko-podrinjski kanton (BIH)
Died28 July 1941 in Zagnitkiv, Odesa (UKR)
AffiliationsEVW, Klagenfurt (AUT) / Heeressportverband Wien, Wien (AUT)
NOC Austria

Biography

Austrian Karl Leban participated in 1936 both at the Winter Games in Garmisch-Partenkirchen as a speed skater and the Summer Games in Berlin as a modern pentathlete, placing 26th in Berlin, and 6th in the 500 and 12th in the 1500 metres at Garmisch. The same year he also participated in the Speed Skating World Championships and placed 36th, also finishing 4th and 12th at the 1932 and 1937 European Championships.

Domestically Leban won several Austrian athletics titles as follows: 1930 – 5K, 1932 – 4x1,500, 1934 – 5K, and 1937 – 1,500 m and 4x1,500. After the Nazi German “Anschluss” he claimed three third places at the German 1940 Speed Skating Championships. In 1941 Leban was killed in action during World War II when his plane crashed down near Zagnitkiv at the Russian front. He was buried in the cemetery at Kamenka near Zagnitkiv.

Personal Bests: 500 – 44.3 (1937); 1500 – 2:21.5 (1933); 5000 – 8:43.2 (1933); 10000 – 18:45.2 (1932).

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1936 Summer Olympics Modern Pentathlon AUT Karl Leban
Individual, Men (Olympic) 26
1936 Winter Olympics Speed Skating (Skating) AUT Karl Leban
500 metres, Men (Olympic) =6
1,500 metres, Men (Olympic) =12

Special Notes