Robert Ihly

Soviet-born race walker Robert Ihly was a three-time Olympian in 1992-2000. He placed 11th over 20 km in 1992, 17th in 1992 and withdrew from the 50 km in 2000 after 30 km due to a knee injury. He was disappointed on all three occasions as his preparations did not fit the climates of the three Olympic races. In Barcelona it was too hot, in Atlanta too cold and in Sydney he had to deal with knee problems. Much more successful were his appearances at the World Championships, placing 6th (1991), 7th (1993), 14th (1995), and 11th (1997) over 20 km, as well as 6th in 1999 in the 50 km. Ihly also competed in the European Championships in 1990, 1994 and 1998. Domestically Ihly won 20 km titles in 1990-93, and 1996-97, 50 km titles in 1989-90, and 1998-99, and 5 km indoor titles in 1990 and 1997.

Ihly grew up in Kyrgyzstan and trained in Alma Ata (Kazakhstan) until he immigrated to West Germany in 1989 together with his parents and his brother. He had studied water construction engineering in the former Soviet Union and worked as a freelancer in the construction industry in Germany. Beside his day job he was still involved in race walking as the Regional Chief Coach of Baden.

Personal Bests: 20kmW – 1-19:59 (1992); 50kmW – 3-49:22 (1999).