Inge HELTEN

Inge Helten was part of the West German silver medal winning sprint relay at the 1976 Montréal Olympic Games which lost a rematch of the 1972 München Games against East Germany, losing the final by only 0.04 seconds. The relay consisted of Elvira Poßekel, Helten, Annegret Richter, and Anne Kroniger. Inge Helten also claimed the bronze medal in the 100 behind her teammate Annegret Richter and East German Renate Stecher, and placed fifth in the 200 final. With the sprint relay she was European Champion in 1971 and runner-up in 1974. In 1971 she placed an unfortunate fourth in the 100 and three years later was eliminated in the second round. At the European Cup Helten was runner-up in 1973 and placed third in 1975 with the relay. At the European Indoors she won another relay gold in 1973 and placed fourth in 1972 in the 50 m and in 1976 in the 60 m.

Her athletic career was a bit overshadowed by Annegret Richter. Nevertheless Helten set two world records: indoors in the 60 metres in 1972 (7.53) and outdoors in the 100 in 1976 (11.04). In 1975 she was German Champion in the 100 and one year later German Indoor Champion in the 200, adding two more relay titles (1974 and 1976 indoors). She was awarded the Silver Bay Leaf in 1972 and the Sports Badge of North Rhine Westphalia in 1976. Due to steady foot and knee problems Helten ended her sports career shortly after the Montréal Olympic Games. She then worked as a commercial clerk.

Personal Bests: 100 – 11.04 (1976); 200 – 22.68 (1976).