Ralf Reichenbach

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameRalf•Reichenbach
Used nameRalf•Reichenbach
Born31 July 1950 in Wiesbaden, Hessen (GER)
Died12 February 1998 in Berlin, Berlin (GER)
Measurements198 cm / 140 kg
AffiliationsOSC Berlin, Berlin (GER)
NOC West Germany

Biography

Shot putter Ralf Reichenbach was later educated as a management administrator, worked as a business consultant, and owned several fitness studios in his hometown of Berlin. During his active career he participated in the Olympics in München (13th), Montréal (failed the qualification), and was nominated for the 1980 Moskva Games, where he could not start due to the US-led boycott.

At the World Cup Reichenbach finished third (1977) and fourth (1981), at the European Championships eleventh (1971), won a 1974 silver medal, and failed to qualify in 1978. At European Cups he was third (1975, 1977, 1981) and second (1979). Indoors, Reichenbach placed sixth at the Europeans in 1971 and 1977. Domestically he claimed the West German titles from 1972-75, and 1977-81, also indoors in 1971 and 1977. In 1980, he was awarded the Silver Bay Leaf.

In 1998 Reichenbach died from cardiac related causes, aged only 47 years. He was an admitted long-term user of anabolic steroids, although it is not certain if his early death was related. Reichenbach had spoken out liberally that use of performance-enhancing drugs should be allowed for all athletes.

Personal Best: SP – 21.51 (1980).

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1972 Summer Olympics Athletics FRG Ralf Reichenbach
Shot Put, Men (Olympic) 13
1976 Summer Olympics Athletics FRG Ralf Reichenbach
Shot Put, Men (Olympic) 13 r1/2

Special Notes