Bernd Kannenberg facts for kids
Bernd Kannenberg in 1972
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Quick facts for kids Personal information |
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| Born | August 20, 1942 Königsberg, East Prussia, Prussia, Germany |
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| Died | January 13, 2021 (aged 78) Münster, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany |
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| Height | 1.76 m | ||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 75 kg | ||||||||||||||||
| Sport | |||||||||||||||||
| Sport | Athletics | ||||||||||||||||
| Event(s) | Race walking | ||||||||||||||||
| Club | TV 1860 Fürth LAC Quelle Fürth |
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| Achievements and titles | |||||||||||||||||
| Personal best(s) | 20 km – 1:24:45 (1974) 50 km – 3:52:45 (1972) |
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Medal record
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Bernd Kannenberg (born August 20, 1942 – died January 13, 2021) was a famous West German race walker. He is best known for winning a gold medal at the 1972 Summer Olympics. This happened in the 50-kilometer race walking event.
Bernd also competed in the 20-kilometer race at the 1972 and 1976 Olympic Games. He was a very strong athlete. In 1972, he became the first German to walk 50 kilometers in less than four hours. This was a huge achievement!
Early Life and Journey
Bernd Kannenberg was born in a city called Königsberg. This city was in East Prussia, which is now Kaliningrad. His early life was full of challenges.
When he was a young boy, he was on a ship that sank. This was during a difficult time in history. Bernd and his cousin were among the few people who survived this event.
In 1955, Bernd and his family moved from East Germany to West Germany. This was a big change for them.
A Champion Race Walker
Bernd Kannenberg was an amazing race walker. He set five world records during his career. He also won many national titles.
He won six outdoor titles and four indoor titles in West Germany. His dedication to the sport was clear.
Olympic Success
The highlight of Bernd's career was the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich. He won the gold medal in the 50 km walk. This was a proud moment for him and for West Germany.
He was also recognized with the Silbernes Lorbeerblatt award. This is a very high sports honor in Germany.
Life After Competing
Bernd Kannenberg was a professional soldier. He trained at a special sports school for the German army. This school was located in Warendorf.
After he stopped competing, Bernd continued to be involved in race walking. He became a coach for the German race walking team. He helped new athletes become champions.
