Gisela Birkemeyer (née Köhler on 22 December 1931) is a retired German sprint runner who won two medals in the 80 m hurdles at the 1956 and 1960 Olympics. During her career she set nine world records in the 80 m hurdles and in the 4×100 m, 4×110 yd and 4×200 m relays. She won 40 East German championships, mostly in the 80 m hurdles (1953–1961) and 200 m sprint (1956–1960).[1] At the European Championships in Stockholm in 1958, she was third in the 80 m hurdles. In 1959, she was voted GDR Sportswoman of the Year.[2]
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Earlier in 1957 she married Heinz Birkemeyer and since 1960 competed under his name. After retiring from competitions she worked as a coach.[2] She now lives as a pensioner in Berlin Marzahn.[3]
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Preceded by | East German Sportswoman of the Year 1959 |
Succeeded by![]() |