Marita Koch

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Rankings

Records

Marita Koch's list of achievements is staggering. She set 30 world records during her career, a number that has never been matched by any other sprinter. Her 400-meter world record from 1985 has stood for over forty years, making it one of the most durable records in athletics. She was a four-time European champion, a three-time world champion, and an Olympic champion. Her 200-meter time of 21.71 seconds remains a national record in Germany, and she was the first woman to break the 22-second barrier in that event.

AwardsMarita Koch won Olympic gold and silver in 1980, three World Championship golds in 1983, and three European Championship golds across 1978, 1982, and 1986. She also took gold at the 1984 Friendship Games. Her record-breaking performances earned her numerous accolades throughout her career.

Honours & Distinctions

World record holder, 400 meters

World Athletics·1985

Still holds the world record at 47.60 seconds.

Rankings & Lists

Greatest female sprinter of all time

Various sports historians·2024

Records & Feats

World record in the 400 meters

World Record·1985

Ran 47.60 seconds in Canberra, a record that has stood since 1985.

First woman to break 22 seconds in the 200 meters

Historic First·1979

Achieved in 1979, a historic barrier.

Most world records set by a sprinter

Career Milestone·1987

Set 30 world records (16 outdoor, 14 indoor) during her career.