Wolfgang Gunkel facts for kids
Gunkel in 1972
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| Personal information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Born | 15 January 1948 Berlin, Germany |
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| Died | 20 May 2020 (aged 72) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 192 cm | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 92 kg | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Spouse(s) | Renate Boesler | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sport | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sport | Rowing | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Club | Berliner TSC SC Berlin-Grünau |
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Medal record
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Wolfgang Gunkel (born January 15, 1948, died May 20, 2020) was an amazing rower from East Germany. He was best known for competing in a type of boat called a "coxed pair," often with his teammate Jörg Lucke. Wolfgang achieved great success in his sport, winning Olympic gold and several world and European titles.
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Wolfgang Gunkel: A Rowing Champion
Wolfgang Gunkel was a top athlete who dedicated his life to rowing. He became one of the most successful rowers from East Germany. His hard work and talent led him to win many important medals.
Early Rowing Career
Wolfgang Gunkel started his rowing journey in East Germany. He quickly showed great promise in the sport. He often competed in the "coxed pair" event. This boat has two rowers and one person who steers and helps coordinate the crew, called a "coxswain."
In 1968, Wolfgang Gunkel competed in his first Olympic Games. His crew finished fourth in the coxed pair event. This was a good start for his Olympic career.
Olympic Gold and World Titles
Wolfgang Gunkel's biggest achievement came at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich. He and Jörg Lucke won the gold medal in the coxed pair event. This was a huge victory for them and for East Germany.
Before his Olympic win, Gunkel also achieved success at the European level. In 1971, he won the European title in the coxed pair. After his Olympic gold, he continued to dominate. He won the world title in the coxed pair in 1975.
Gunkel also showed his versatility in rowing. In 1977, he won another world title, this time in the "men's eight" boat. This boat is much larger, with eight rowers and a coxswain. Winning in different boat types showed his skill.
Life and Recognition
Wolfgang Gunkel was highly respected for his achievements. In February 1978, he received a special sports award called "Honoured Master of Sports." This award recognized his outstanding contributions to sports.
In the early 1970s, Wolfgang Gunkel married Renate Boesler. She was also an international rower, showing that sports ran in their family.
Wolfgang Gunkel passed away on May 20, 2020. He is remembered as a true champion in the world of rowing.
