Kerstin CLAUS-KNABE

Hurdler Kerstin Claus married non-Olympian canoer Achim Knabe and started as Kerstin Knabe in 1988. In 1984 she did not compete at the Olympics due to the Soviet-led boycott. In 1980 at Moscow she placed fourth and eight years later she was eliminated in the semifinals. She was educated in economics and as a beautician, and later managed her own beauty spa in her hometown of Oschatz.

Claus-Knabe won national titles in the 100 m hurdles in 1979 and 1981, the 60 m hurdles indoor in 1981 and 1982, and in the 4x100 m relay in 1986. She also won a silver at the 1983 World Championships 1983, a bronze at the 1979 World Cup, adding a silver in that event in 1981, bronze at the 1982 European Championships (1986 4th), and silver at the 1981 European Cup. Her indoor record was even better: gold, silver and bronze over 60 m hurdles in 1982-83 and 1986. Her coach from 1973-76 was famous hurdler Karin Richert-Balzer.

Personal Best: 100H – 12.54 (1982).