Donat ERTEL

Donat Ertel was originally a sprinter but, in 1969, became one of the first German track and field athletes to switch to bobsledding. He then became runner-up in the national two-man bob in 1971 and 1972 and was the 1976 German Champion. In addition to his Olympic fifth-place finish with the four-man in 1972, Ertel collected silver in the two-man at the 1976 European Championships, bronze at the 1971 European Championships with the four-man and placed fifth again at the 1974 World Championships with the four-man. By profession, Ertel became a graduated teacher. His sister Susanne was a well-known long jumper.