Ulf Béla Timmermann (German pronunciation: [ʊlf ˈtɪmɐˌman], audio; born 1 November 1962 in East Berlin) is a German former shot putter who broke the world record several times during the 1980s, and is the first and one of only four people to ever throw over 23 metres (along with Randy Barnes, Joe Kovacs and Ryan Crouser).

Ulf Timmermann
Ulf Timmermann in 1989
Personal information
Full nameUlf Béla Timmermann
Born (1962-11-01) 1 November 1962 (age 61)[1]
East Berlin, East Germany[1]
Height194 cm (6 ft 4 in)[1]
Weight118 kg (260 lb)[1]
Sport
Country
  • East Germany (1981–1990)
  • Germany (1991–1992)
SportAthletics (track and field)
EventShot put
ClubBerliner TSC
OSC Berlin
Coached byWerner Goldmann
Achievements and titles
Personal best23.06 m (1988)
Medal record
Olympic Games
Men's athletics
Representing  East Germany
Gold medal – first place 1988 Seoul Shot put
World Championships
Silver medal – second place 1983 Helsinki Shot put
World Indoor Championships
Gold medal – first place 1987 Indianapolis Shot put
Gold medal – first place 1989 Budapest Shot put
European Championships
Gold medal – first place 1990 Split Shot put
Silver medal – second place 1986 Stuttgart Shot Put

Timmermann was born in Berlin to an athletic family and took up shot put at 13. He broke his first world record in 1985 with a throw of 22.62 meters. On 22 May 1988 he became the first person to throw over 23 meters with a throw of 23.06 meters at Chania, Greece.

He won gold for East Germany at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, ahead of Randy Barnes of the U.S. The fourth place throw at this competition would have won every previous Olympics in the shot put. At the 1992 Olympics, he represented Germany, but finished a disappointing fifth. He left competition afterwards.

Timmermann is the farthest thrower of all time in the shot put using the glide technique. He also passed 22 metres in 16 different competitions. His coach was Werner Goldmann who is currently coaching shot put and discus throw in Berlin.

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d Evans, Hilary; Gjerde, Arild; Heijmans, Jeroen; Mallon, Bill; et al. "Ulf Timmermann". Olympics at Sports-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on 17 April 2020. Retrieved 22 June 2021.
Records
Preceded by Men's Shot Put World Record Holder
22 September 1985 – 20 August 1986
Succeeded by
Preceded by Men's Shot Put World Record Holder
22 May 1988 – 20 May 1990
Succeeded by
Preceded by Men's Shot Put European Record Holder
22 May 1988 – Present
Succeeded by
Incumbent
Olympic Games
Preceded by Flagbearer for   East Germany
Seoul 1988
Succeeded by
None