Michael Buchleitner

Athlete Michael Buchleitner was Austrian champion in 5,000 metres (1993-95,1998), 10,000 metres (1997), half-marathon (1995, 1997), marathon (2003), cross country-short (1991), cross country-long (1994, 1997-98, 2000, 2002), 3×1000 relay (1992-93, 1998), and 3000 metres steeplechase (1990,1992).

Buchleitner qualified for three Olympics: 1992 in Barcelona (3,000 metres steeplechase, eliminated in the heats), 2000 Sydney (33rd in the marathon), and 2004 Athens (29th in the marathon). As a steeplechaser, he won the 1993 Universiade and placed third in 1997. In 1993, 1997, and 1999, Buchleitner also participated in the World Championships.

Buchleitner later founded his own sport event agency and from 2008 organised the Wachau Marathon and other running events since. At the 2004 Paralympics, he accompanied blind Kenyan runner Henry Wanyoike, who set world records in the 5,000 and 10,000 metres. Buchleitner was married to German athlete Ellen Kießling and raised a son and a daughter before getting divorced.

Personal Bests: Mar – 2-12:43 (1999); 3000S – 8:20.04 (1999).