Ignaz Stiefsohn

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games (non-medal events)
SexMale
Full nameIgnaz•Stiefsohn
Used nameIgnaz•Stiefsohn
Born26 April 1911 in Wien (Vienna), Wien (AUT)
Died3 August 1936 in Berlin, Berlin (GER)
NOC Austria

Biography

Ignaz Stiefsohn was one of the pioneers of gliding in Austria, having learned it himself in Germany. In 1934 he joined the Bundesheer (Austrian Army) and became a pilot on motorized planes, but he remained active in gliding competitions and taught others in his own gliding school. Due to his experience, he was named leader of the seven-person strong Austrian contingent present at the gliding demonstration at the 1936 Olympics. During one of his flights, Stiefsohn overstrained his Austro-Sperber type glider, and broke a wing. Although he was equipped with a parachute, Stiefsohn was flying at an altitude of around 700 metres and was unable to use it before crashing, and died in the crash.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1936 Summer Olympics Gliding (Air Sports) AUT Ignaz Stiefsohn
Gliding, Open (Olympic (non-medal)) AC

Special Notes