Manfred PREUSSGER

Pole vaulter Manfred Preußger participated in three consecutive Olympics from 1956-64, finishing eighth in 1956 and fourth in 1964. At the Roma Olympics he did not make the final. His greatest moment came in 1958 winning the silver medal at the European Championships after an eight-hour-competition, narrowly losing to Finn Eeles Landström. In 1962 he came in eighth. In East Germany he won national titles in 1955-58, 1960, and 1962-64. He set six European records during his career, becoming the first German to better 5 metres in 1964. He also bettered the (East) German records several times.

From 1961-66 Preußger was a board member of the East German Sports Association. In 1965 he retired and began his sports studies. He later became a high school teacher for foreign students.

Personal Best: PV – 5.15 (1964).