Hans Haas

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameHans•Haas
Used nameHans•Haas
Born17 October 1906 in Wien (Vienna), Wien (AUT)
Died14 May 1973
Measurements170 cm
AffiliationsA. C. D'Boeren, Wien (AUT) / Teutoburger A. C., Wien (AUT)
NOC Austria
Medals OG
Gold 1
Silver 1
Bronze 0
Total 2

Biography

Austrian weightlifter Hans Haas set several World Records in 1927 and was subsequently favourite to take the lightweight gold medal at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics. He did so, but had to share his title with German lifter Kurt Helbig. In the snatch competition, Haas broke the World Record with 102.5 kg, and later appeared to have lifted 105 kg. Not all judges agreed that Haas had lifted legally, however, and ruled it a foul. As both Haas and Helbig lifted the same weight, and their bodyweights were the same, both men were handed the gold medal after long discussions by the jury.

Haas continued to be a dominant lightweight lifter, winning the European title in both 1930 and 1931. He also travelled to Los Angeles for the 1932 Olympics, where he picked up a silver medal. Haas won the Austrian national title in 1926-28, 1930, and 1933. He also was second at the 1926 German Fighting Games. He was a trained carpenter by profession.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1928 Summer Olympics Weightlifting AUT Hans Haas
Lightweight, Men (Olympic) =1 Gold
1932 Summer Olympics Weightlifting AUT Hans Haas
Lightweight, Men (Olympic) 2 Silver