Claus Schiprowski

Pole vaulter Claus Schiprowski surprisingly won the silver medal at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics behind Bob Seagren and ahead of East German Wolfgang Nordwig. Schiprowski only lost the gold medal, because in his first successful attempt at 5.25 m, the pole passed under the bar, which was then considered a failed attempt, although he cleared the bar. All three finally cleared 5.40, with Schiprowski setting his personal best, never again reaching those heights. He placed eighth at the 1966 Europeans, but never won a West German title. He disappeared from the international scene soon after the 1969 season. Schiprowski was awarded the Silver Bay Leaf in 1968. His brother Axel was a decathlete.

Shortly after the 1968 Olympics Schiprowski was hired by the town of Hildesheim as the head of the sports office. He organized swimming courses as well as holiday sports programs, which took place in many bases during the summer holidays. In addition to school and grassroots sports he devoted himself to competitive sports in the district in the mid-70s.

Personal Best: PV – 5.40 (1968).