The renowned javelin thrower and Olympic champion in Munich 1972, Klaus Wolfermann, died unexpectedly at the age of 78.
Munich – German sport is mourning the loss of Klaus Wolfermann, the 1972 Olympic javelin throw champion. The athlete, who was born in Altdorf near Nuremberg, died unexpectedly on Wednesday night at the age of 78. His family confirmed this to the German press agencyafter Bavarian Radio had previously reported about it.
The golden throw in Munich 1972
Wolfermann became a legend with his spectacular victory at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich. On September 3, 1972, a memorable day, he threw the javelin to 90.48 meters on his fifth attempt, defeating his great rival Janis Lusis from the Soviet Union by just two centimeters. This throw thrilled the crowds in the Munich Olympic Stadium and made Wolfermann famous overnight.
September 3, 1972 was the hosts' golden Sunday in the Munich Olympic Stadium: Hildegard Falck won the 800-meter run and Bernd Kannenberg won the 50-kilometer walk, as did Wolfermann, and Heide Rosendahl also took silver in the pentathlon.
The decisive moment in the game was not only sporting, but also human. After the competition, Wolfermann went to Lusis and apologized with the words: “Sorry, I’m sorry I won.” Lusis replied: “It doesn’t matter, I already won in Mexico.” This gesture led to a friendship between the two athletes, which lasted until Lusis' death in 2020.
The German Olympic champion Klaus Wolfermann died unexpectedly
Klaus Wolfermann's career was marked by outstanding achievements and some setbacks. In 1973 he set a new world record in Leverkusen with a throw of 94.08 meters. In 1972 and 1973 he was voted “Sportsman of the Year”.
In addition to the javelin throw, Wolfermann also tried his hand at bobsledding and was active as a pusher. He stayed true to sport professionally and worked in sports marketing. He was also socially involved, including for FC Olympia.
Despite his successes, Wolfermann also had to accept setbacks. He missed the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal due to an arm injury. He later described this experience as his saddest hours, when he could only watch the javelin throwing competition on television.
Mourning for Klaus Wolfermann: javelin throwing icon leaves behind wife and daughter
Away from sport, Klaus Wolfermann led a fulfilling personal life. He leaves behind his wife and a daughter.
The news of his death caused great sadness in the sports world and beyond. Despite his small height of 1.76 meters, Wolfermann will be remembered as the “little giant with the golden arm” who made history with his friendly art and his sporting achievements. An Olympic legend from Germany died recently – she was responsible for setting 20 world records. (ck)
