Werner LUEG

Werner Lueg equalled the 1,500 metre world record at a meet in Berlin in 1952, running 3:43.0 to match the mark set by Lennart Strand and Gunder Hägg. This made him the only German to have held the world record at that distance. Later that summer Lueg added a bronze medal in the 1,500 at the Helsinki Olympics. Lueg competed for Sportfreunde Gevelsberg in 1952, after having competed for TuS Iserlohn and Barmer TV in previous years. Lueg was 1949 German Youth Champion over 1,000 metres and in 1950 won the German Junior Championship at 1,500 metres. He was German Senior Champion in the 1,500 in 1952-55 after finishing second in 1951, and he would finish second again in 1957. Lueg placed fifth in the 1,500 at the 1954 European Championships. For his sporting achievements Lueg was then awarded the Silver Laurel Leaf. His career ended in 1957 after tearing his left Achilles tendon in 1956. He then worked as a clerk and kept fit by cycling.

Personal Best: 1500 – 3:43.0 (1952).