Michael KARST

Michael Karst came in fifth in the steeplechase at the 1976 Montréal Olympics. He was also nominated for the 1980 Moskva Games, but could not participate due to the US-led boycott. He won a steeple bronze medal at the 1974 European Championships and finished fourth in 1978. In 1975 and 1977 Karst won the European Cup, and he was runner-up in 1979. He was West German steeplechase champion in 1974-77 and 1979.

By profession Karst was an IT project manager. After his retirement from athletics he turned to semi-professional dancing and took part in regional tournaments with his wife Susi. Both won multiple Saarland titles in Standard and Latin dances, starting in 1982. He also became vice-president of the National Dance Association in Saarland for a time.

Personal Best: 3000S – 8:14.05 (1977).