Manfred Stolle

Javelin thrower Manfred Stolle twice reached Olympic finals, in 1968 at Mexico City, placing fifth, and four years later in München, finishing ninth. At the 1966 Europeans he placed eighth and failed to reach the final in 1971. At the European Cups he was third in 1965, second in 1967, and fifth in 1970. Stolle won eight East German national titles in 1965, and 1967-73.

In 1968 Stolle was the first East German javelin thrower to surpass 85 metres and in 1970 the first to better 90 metres. He was a trained blacksmith but later had a career as an officer in the National People’s Army (Nationale Volksarmee) until German reunification.

Personal Best: JT – 90.68 (1970).