Karl Bierwirth

Because of his exemplary sporting attitude and his elegance while lifting the weights German Karl Bierwirth was nicknamed “Gentleman of the barbells”. He was a merchant and owner of a milk farm.

He had many achievements during his sporting career. He came joint seventh at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics in the light-heavyweight division, won the bronze medals at both the 1929 and 1933 European Championships, also in the light-heavyweight division (placing fifth in both 1930 and 1931), and claimed six German Team Championships. Individually he became German Light-Heavyweight Champion in 1931, and was runner-up in 1927-30, 1932 -33. In 1934, 1936 and 1937 he finished third.

Although he qualified for the 1932 Olympics in Los Angeles he could not take part as his Federation did not have the money to pay his expenses for the trip to the United States.