Heinrich WILL

A farmer from the small town of Möglin, Heiner Will was a member of the Rendsburger TSV for most of his life. During his 13-year long career, he represented (West) Germany on 37 occasions, including at the 1956 Olympics and 1958 European Championships. His best javelin throw came in 1956, when he became the first German to surpass 80 metres, recording 80.22. At the Melbourne Olympics the same year he came in ninth. A five-time German champion in this event (1948, 1955, 1957-59), Will later coached young athletes in the javelin, including his son Olaf. In 1959, Heiner Will was awarded the Silver Bay Leaf by then Federal Republic president Theodor Heuss, the highest award in German sports. Will was a longtime captain of the West German athletics team.

Personal Best: JT – 80.22 (1956).