Rudi Maier

West German fencer Rudi Maier had won the 1971 Heidenheim Pokol, considered the Wimbledon of fencing, and was the first German to win it in 15 years. He had also placed seventh at the 1971 World Championships. In pool four at the 1972 München Summer Olympics, he drew Jacques Ladègaillerie in his first match and was leading, 3-1, when, as Maier walked back to the en garde line, he collapsed and lost consciousness. Maier was rushed to the hospital but was rendered quadriplegic from uncertain causes, although a blood clot on the brain was suspected. Maier never regained much function and was permanently confined to a wheelchair. In 2017, he died after a long illness.

Maier started his career rather late, at 17-years-old. In 1969 he ascended the podium at the West German national championships, finishing third. One year later Maier won the international épée tournament in Budapest. Professionally he trained telecommunication technicians and later worked in this job, although disabled. He was also active as a beekeeper as a hobby.