Memorial Page for Karin Balzer (née Karin Richert)

Karin Balzer (born Karin Richert on 5 June 1938 in Magdeburg; died 17 December 2019) was a German athlete and sprint hurdler. Competing for East Germany, she won Olympic gold in the 80 metres hurdles in 1964 and Olympic bronze in the 100 metres hurdles in 1972.

Magdeburg, Halle and Leipzig

Balzer began athletics in Magdeburg and at first competed in several events. She later moved into East German elite sport, including periods in Halle and Leipzig. Her coach Karl-Heinz Balzer also became her husband. The early years brought sporting success, but were also shaped by pressure within the East German sports system; World Athletics mentions a temporary flight to the West and the subsequent return.

Tokyo 1964

At the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Balzer won the final of the 80 metres hurdles in an exceptionally close race. The medals were separated by hundredths of a second. For Balzer it was the high point of a career in which she joined technique, acceleration and rhythm at a very high level. The victory made her one of the central sprint hurdlers of her generation.

European Championships and records

Balzer won European titles in the sprint hurdles in 1966, 1969 and 1971. In Athens in 1969 she became the first European champion over the new 100 metres hurdles distance. World bests and world records also marked her career. In the transition from 80 metres to 100 metres hurdles, she belonged to the athletes who shaped the new event competitively.

Munich 1972 and later work

In 1972 Balzer reached another Olympic final in Munich and won bronze in the 100 metres hurdles. She ended her active career afterwards. Later she worked as a sports teacher, lecturer and coach. Her son Falk Balzer also became a hurdler. The family therefore remained closely connected with athletics after her own competition years had ended.

Farewell

Karin Balzer died on 17 December 2019 after a short serious illness. She was 81 years old. Her sporting path includes an exceptional hurdling career and the ambivalence of East German elite sport: great performances, strict control and a life that extends beyond medals.