Hagen Melzer

Steeplechaser Hagen Melzer started for East Germany and later for reunified Germany. He came in tenth at the 1988 Seoul Olympics and was eliminated in the semifinals four years later in Barcelona. His greatest moments came in 1986, winning the European Championships, and in 1987, taking silver at the World Championships. At the Europeans he added a fourth place in 1982 and a seventh in 1990, while at the Worlds he finished eleventh in 1983 and twelfth in 1991. He also started at the World Cups in 1985 (fifth) and 1989 (third), and the European Cups in 1979 (fifth), 1983 (fourth), 1985 (sixth), 1987 (third), 1989 (second), and 1991 (fourth). Domestically he won seven East German titles (1980, 1983, 1985-89) and one German title (1991). Melzer was educated as a machinery mechanic but later was employed by the sports office in his hometown of Dresden.

Personal Best: 3000S – 8:10.32 (1987).