Josef (Sepp) HIPP

Sepp Hipp took part in the 1952 Helsinki Olympic Games when the German team consisted only of West German athletes. He was eliminated in the qualifying round of the discus throw but finished fifth in the decathlon. Hipp earned six West German titles in different disciplines, and died rather young at age 31 due to a heart attack after a weight training workout. Born into a gymnastic family Hipp started out in gymnastics, then played football, but eventually competed in track and field.

Hipp was educated as a mechanic and was recruited to the German Navy in 1944, then becoming an American prisoner-of-war until 1946. His brother Otto was also a discus thrower and shot putter.

Personal Bests: DT – 50.04 (1951); Dec – 6705 (1952).