Richard Rau

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameRichard Rudolf•Rau
Used nameRichard•Rau
Other namesRichard Einsporn
Born26 August 1889 in Berlin, Berlin (GER)
Died17 November 1945 in Tumanovo, Smolensk (RUS)
Measurements178 cm / 67 kg
AffiliationsSC Charlottenburg, Berlin (GER)
NOC Germany

Biography

Richard Rau, who was later a business man and owner of a sportshop, started his high-level career in 1908 winning several German Championships as a sprinter and hurdler. He was the second German to run 100 metres in 10.5 (1911) and the first German under 22.0 seconds for 200 m (1912). During WW I he ran under the pseudonym Richard Einsporn, and during his career, set over 20 German records. At the 1912 Stockholm Olympics he finished fourth over 200, reached the semifinals over 100 and started in the 4x100 relay, but the relay fell prey to a faulty baton pass in the final, and was disqualified.

In 1933 he joined the Nazi Party and the SS and reached the rank of Hauptsturmbannführer in 1938. In 1945 he was captured by the Americans and was dismissed to the Soviet Zone, where he tried to escape, only to be captured and shot. He was then immediately transported to the Tumanovo POW Camp where he died.

Personal Bests: 100y – 10.1 (1910); 100 – 10.5 (1911/1912); 200 – 21.6 (1914); 110H – 15.6 (1911).

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1912 Summer Olympics Athletics GER Richard Rau
100 metres, Men (Olympic) 2 h4 r2/3
200 metres, Men (Olympic) 4
110 metres Hurdles, Men (Olympic) DNS
4 × 100 metres Relay, Men (Olympic) Germany AC r3/3

Special Notes