Herbert HÖFL

Speed skater Herbert Höfl participated with the mixed German team at the 1964 Innsbruck Winter Games. He placed 24th in the 500 m event, and 26th in the 1,500 m. At the 1968 Grenoble Olympics he finished 11th in the 500 m, then representing West Germany. In 1967, he earned a bronze medal at the Europeans in the 500 metres. In 1963 he was West German champion in the all-around competition.

Originally trained as a sports teacher, Höfl later became a successful speed skating coach in West Germany. He was first West Germany’s assistant coach under Norwegian head coach Thormod Moum, and then became national head coach in 1971. In 1976, Höfl retired and became a self-employed sports and marketing manager. In 1993 he was elected president of the Golf Club Herzogenaurach. His son Marcus Höfl married Maria Höfl-Riesch who was one of the most successful German alpine skiers in the 2000s and 2010s.

Personal Bests: 500 – 40.3 (1967); 1000 – 1:22.5 (1968); 1500 – 2:08.0 (1967); 5000 – 8:17.0 (1967); 10000 – 17:43.5 (1964).