Richard RAU

Richard Rau, who was later a business man and owner of a sportshop, started his high-level career in 1908 winning several German Championships as a sprinter and hurdler. He was the second German to run 100 metres in 10.5 (1911) and the first German under 22.0 seconds for 200 m (1912). During WW I he ran under the pseudonym Richard Einsporn, and during his career, set over 20 German records. At the 1912 Stockholm Olympics he finished fourth over 200, reached the semifinals over 100 and started in the 4x100 relay, but the relay fell prey to a faulty baton pass in the final, and was disqualified.

In 1933 he joined the Nazi Party and the SS and reached the rank of Hauptsturmbannführer in 1938. In 1945 he was captured by the Americans and was dismissed to the Soviet Zone, where he tried to escape, only to be captured and shot. He was then immediately transported to the Vyasma POW Camp where he died in November of the same year.

Personal Bests: 100y – 10.1 (1910); 100 – 10.5 (1911/1912); 200 – 21.6 (1914); 110H – 15.6 (1911).