Henry Laskau
Encyclopedia
Helmut Laskau (September 12, 1916 – May 7, 2000) has been called the greatest racewalker in U.S. track and field history. Born in Berlin, Germany Laskau was a top distance runner in his native Germany
before being forced to leave that country in by the Nazis in 1938. He moved to the United States and served in the U.S. Army during World War II before resuming his competitive walking career in 1946.
Over two decades Laskau won 42 national titles and was a competitor in the 1948, 1952 and 1956 Olympic Games
, placing 12th in 1952 at 20 kilometers. He was a 1951 Pan-American Games champion
and also was a four-time winner at the Maccabiah Games
. During an 11-year career, he set five national records and during nine years of that period was unbeaten by any American walker. In 1983, he was named to the USA All-Time Track and Field team. He remained active in the sport after retiring from competition, serving as a volunteer official. Laskau died at the age of 83 in Coconut Creek, FL in 2000.
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
before being forced to leave that country in by the Nazis in 1938. He moved to the United States and served in the U.S. Army during World War II before resuming his competitive walking career in 1946.
Over two decades Laskau won 42 national titles and was a competitor in the 1948, 1952 and 1956 Olympic Games
1956 Summer Olympics
The 1956 Melbourne Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XVI Olympiad, were an international multi-sport event which was held in Melbourne, Australia, in 1956, with the exception of the equestrian events, which could not be held in Australia due to quarantine regulations...
, placing 12th in 1952 at 20 kilometers. He was a 1951 Pan-American Games champion
Athletics at the 1951 Pan American Games
The Athletics Competition at the 1951 Pan American Games was held in Buenos Aires, Argentina.-Men's events:-Women's events:-Medal table:-References:*...
and also was a four-time winner at the Maccabiah Games
Maccabiah Games
The Maccabiah is an international Jewish athletic event similar to the Olympics held in Israel every four years under the auspices of the Maccabi Federation, affiliated with the Maccabi World Union. The Maccabiah Games is the third largest international sports competition in the world...
. During an 11-year career, he set five national records and during nine years of that period was unbeaten by any American walker. In 1983, he was named to the USA All-Time Track and Field team. He remained active in the sport after retiring from competition, serving as a volunteer official. Laskau died at the age of 83 in Coconut Creek, FL in 2000.
See also
- List of select Jewish track and field athletes