Heinz-Joachim ROTHENBURG

Shot putter Heinz-Joachim Rothenburg reached the finals at both the 1972 München and the 1976 Montréal Olympic Games, placing 11th and 10th, respectively. In 1969 and 1971 he earned silver medals at the European Championships, also winning silvers at the European Indoors in 1970, 1971 and 1974, adding a bronze in 1969. Domestically he won the East German title in 1975, and won indoors in 1974 and 1976. Rothenburg set three European shot put records – 20.49 (1969), 21.12 (1971), and 21.32 (1972). He also competed in the discus throw.

Rothenburg’s profession started as a machine construction engineer. He later became Chief Executive of the German Lifesaving Association in Luckenwalde, Brandenburg.

Personal Best: SP – 21.32 (1972).