Fürth: Bernd Kannenberg dead – mourning the Olympic champion

The city of Fürth mourns Bernd Kannenberg. The world-famous athlete idol died at the age of 78. He died on January 13th in a hospital in Münster.

Only in 1969, at the age of 27, did he get into walking through a military march. In his relatively short career from 1970 to 1976, he dominated national competition from then on. He achieved his international fame at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich.

Bernd Kannenberg: An unforgettable sporting role model and idol

At the 1972 Summer Games, the East Prussian-born athlete won the gold medal in the 50 km walk. With his surprising victory, which the German achieved in 3: 56: 11.6 hours, he sparked great enthusiasm across the country. During this time he improved the world record in 50 km walking by more than eight minutes.

For his outstanding performance at the Summer Games in Munich, the former professional soldier was honored with the Silver Laurel Leaf and promoted to Sergeant Major. In addition to the gold medal at the 1972 Summer Olympics, he won silver at the 1974 European Championship in 20 km walking and eleven German championships.

The Lord Mayor of Fürth Thomas Jung praised Bernd Kannenberg as an “unforgettable sporting role model and idol for many athletes worldwide”. During his lifetime, the Fürth city council had dedicated a street not far from the LAC Quelle Fürth site to the likeable athlete and Olympic champion. Since 1971 Kannenberg has participated in competitions for the LAC Quelle Fürth association.

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