Bärbel Wöckel facts for kids
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| Medal record | ||
|---|---|---|
| Women's athletics | ||
Representing  East Germany |
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| Olympic Games | ||
| Gold | 1976 Montreal | 200 m |
| Gold | 1976 Montreal | 4 × 100 metres relay |
| Gold | 1980 Moscow | 200 m |
| Gold | 1980 Moscow | 4 × 100 metres relay |
Bärbel Wöckel (born Bärbel Eckert on March 21, 1955) is a famous former East German sprinter. She was known for her incredible speed on the track. Bärbel won four Olympic gold medals during her career.
She never set a world record in individual races. However, she was part of several world record-setting relay teams. These teams included Doris Maletzki, Renate Stecher, and Christina Heinich. Together, they set records in the 4 x 100 metres relay, with their last record on September 8, 1974, in Rome.
At the East German Championships, Bärbel and her team often placed first. They won the 4 x 100 metres relay in 1974, 1977, 1978, and from 1981 to 1984. In 1976, her team also earned a third-place finish. After her career, some information came out about how athletes in East Germany trained. However, Bärbel Wöckel's achievements and medals are still officially recognized.
Olympic and European Success
Bärbel Wöckel was a true star at the Olympic Games. She won four gold medals in total. Two of these were at the 1976 Montreal Olympics. There, she won both the 200 metres race and the 4 × 100 metres relay.
She repeated this amazing feat at the 1980 Moscow Olympics. Again, she took home gold in both the 200 metres and the 4 × 100 metres relay. This made her one of the most successful sprinters of her time.
Bärbel also shined at the European Athletics Championships. In 1974, she helped her team win a gold medal in the 4 × 100 metres relay. They even set a new world record with a time of 42.50 seconds.
At the 1982 European Athletics Championships, she continued her winning streak. She won gold in the 200 metres and another gold as part of the 4 × 100 metres relay team. She also earned a silver medal in the 100 metres race.
Club and National Wins
Bärbel Wöckel competed for the sports club SC Motor Jena during her active years. She was a dominant force in national competitions. She won the 200 metres championship four times in East Germany. She also secured an indoor title in 1984.
Her success extended to other major events. In 1981, she won three European Cup titles. These victories were in the 200 metres, 4x100 metres relay, and 4x400 metres relay.
At the IAAF World Cup in 1981, she added two more gold medals to her collection. These were for the 4x100 metres and 4x400 metres relays. She also finished third in the 200 metres individual race.
Awards and Recognition
Bärbel Wöckel received several important awards for her athletic achievements. These honors recognized her dedication and success in sports.
- 1974: She was awarded the Patriotic Order of Merit (German: Vaterländischer Verdienstorden) in Bronze.
- 1976: She received the Patriotic Order of Merit in Silver.
- 1980 and 1984: She was honored with the Patriotic Order of Merit in Gold.
- 2018: She received the DLV-Ehrennadel in Gold, an honor from the German Athletics Association.
See also
In Spanish: Bärbel Wöckel para niños
- German all-time top lists – 100 metres
- German all-time top lists – 200 metres
- List of multiple Olympic gold medalists
