Martin Lauer
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| Olympic medal record | |||
| Men’s Athletics | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | 1960 Rome | 4x100m relay | |
Martin Lauer (born January 2, 1937) is a former West German athlete, winner of gold medal in 4x100 m relay at the 1960 Summer Olympics.
Born in Cologne, Martin Lauer was a German champion in 110 m hurdles from 1956 to 1960 and in decathlon in 1956.
At the 1956 Summer Olympics, Lauer finished fourth in 110 m hurdles and was fifth in decathlon. At the 1958 European Championships, Lauer won the gold in 110 m hurdles. In 1958 Lauer also ran his first world record, being a member of German's 4x100 m relay team, which ran 39.5. In 1959, Lauer ran his second world record (13.2), this time in his main event of 110 m hurdles. At the end of the year he was named Athlete of the Year by the sportsmagazine Track & Field News, the first ever of the annual election.
At the Rome Olympics Lauer was again fourth in 110 m hurdles and ran the anchoring leg in the German's 4x100 m relay team. In the final the Germans finished second behind the United States, but 15 minutes after the final it was announced that the USA had been disqualified for an incorrect exchange. Germany's time, 39.5 equalled their own world record.
After the Olympics Lauer was forced to retire from sports due the injury and began his new career as a country singer.
| Olympic champions in men's 4×100 m relay |
|---|
| 1912 1920 1924 1928 1932 1936 1948 1952 1956 1960 1964 1968 1972 1976 1980 1984 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004 |
| 1960 United team of Germany Bernd Cullmann, Armin Hary, Walter Mahlendorf & Martin Lauer |
