Felix Rinner

Sprinter Felix Rinner was Austrian champion in the 100 metres (1935), 200 metres (1930-31, 1935-36), 400 metres (1930-1932), and with the 4×400 relay (1930-31). In 1932 he was eliminated in the semifinals of the 400 at the Los Angeles Olympics and in 1936 in Berlin in the second round of the 200. In 1930, Rinner set a European record of 34.0 for the 300 metres.

After the Los Angeles Games Rinner remained in Southern California to continue his medical and sports studies. After a long trip around the world to China, Japan and India, he returned to Wien (Vienna) in the summer of 1933. In July 1938, he took care of Austrian climber Dr. Heinrich Harrer (1912-2006) when he made his first successful ascent of the Eiger North Face.

In 1941 Rinner was a member of the Austrian SS (Obersturmbannführer) to the SS Panzergrenadier Division “Viking”, was adjutant to SS leader Ernst Kaltenbrunner (1903-1946, in Berlin executed by hanging), the commander of the entire Austrian SS, and was involved in the organization of the Gestapo in Austria. From 1945-47 Rinner was interned by the Americans in the “Marcus W. Orr” (bearing Glasenbach) and was named in March 1947 as the camp leader when the camp was transferred to Austrian authorities. After his release, he was never accused for his war crimes and worked for a large pharmaceutical group.

Personal Bests: 200 – 21.8 (1935); 400 – 48.5 (1935).