Gerhard Hennige

Intermediate hurdler Gerhard Hennige was best known for always wearing very dark sunglasses while competing. Later he became a full-time teacher at the Technical University of Darmstadt. In 1997 he was, for a short time, the fitness trainer of Formula 1 World Champion Michael Schumacher. In 1968 he was awarded the Silver Bay Leaf. His daughter Christine later became a nationally successful middle distance runner.

Hennige won a silver medal in the 400 hurdles behind Britain’s Dave Hemery at the 1968 Mexico City Olympic Games, setting a European record in the semifinals, and won a bronze medal with the 4×400 relay together with Helmar Müller, Manfred Kinder and Martin Jellinghaus. He also took part in three European Championships in 1966, 1969 and 1971, winning the bronze medal with the relay in 1969. In 1967 Hennige won the European Cup in the 400 hurdles. Domestically he was West German Champion in 1971, runner-up in 1967-70, and 4×400 relay champion in 1967-69.

Personal Bests: 400 – 46.5 (1968); 400H – 49.02 (1968).