Gerhard Hennige

Gerhard Hennige (born 23 September 1940) is a retired German sprinter. He won a silver medal in the 400 m hurdles at the 1968 Olympics, setting a European record in the semifinals. He was also part of the 4 × 400 m West German teams that finished third at the 1968 Olympics and 1969 European Championships. In 1967 he won the European Cup in the 400 m hurdles, and in 1968 he was awarded the Silbernes Lorbeerblatt.[1]

Gerhard Hennige

Gerhard Hennige at the 1968 Olympics
Personal information
Born	23 September 1940 (1940-09-23) (age 79) Karlsruhe, Germany
Height	1.89 m (6 ft 2 in)
Weight	81 kg (179 lb)
Sport
Sport	Athletics
Event(s)	400 m, 400 m hurdles
Club	Bayer Leverkusen
Achievements and titles
Personal best(s)	400 m – 46.5 (1968) 400 mH – 49.02 (1968)
Medal record Representing  West Germany Olympic Games 1968 Mexico City 400 m hurdles 1968 Mexico City 4×400 m relay European Championships 1969 Athens 4×400 m relay

Hennige was known for wearing very dark sunglasses while competing. In retirement he became a full-time teacher at the Technical University of Darmstadt. In 1997 he was the conditioning coach for Formula One racer Michael Schumacher. His daughter Christine competed nationally as a middle-distance runner.[1]