Ute Gähler

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexFemale
Full nameUte•Gähler (-Scheiffele)
Used nameUte•Gähler
Born12 February 1941 in Oybin, Sachsen (GER)
Measurements164 cm / 55 kg
AffiliationsWSV Königssee, Schönau a. Königssee (GER)
NOC West Germany

Biography

Originally an East German luger, Ute Gähler defected to the West during the 1964 Innsbruck Winter Olympics. Non-Olympian West German luger Max Leo helped her, taking her in his car to West Germany. She was then suspended from international competition for three years. Leo and friends also helped Gähler to find a job as a secretary. She competed at Grenoble at the next Winter Olympics in 1968, and finished eighth, competing for West Germany.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1968 Winter Olympics Luge FRG Ute Gähler
Singles, Women (Olympic) 8

Special Notes