Georg Werthner, Austrian decathlete

Dr. Georg Werthner, born on April 7, 1956, in the historic city of Linz, Austria, stands as a remarkable figure in the world of athletics. Primarily known as a decathlete, his career is distinguished by a pioneering achievement that cemented his place in Olympic history: he was the very first athlete to successfully complete four Olympic decathlons, a testament to his enduring skill, dedication, and longevity in one of sport's most demanding disciplines. The decathlon itself is an arduous test of athleticism, requiring competitors to excel across ten diverse track and field events over two consecutive days, truly identifying the "world's greatest athlete."

His final Olympic appearance, in 1988, added another layer to his unique legacy. As he crossed the finish line of his fourth Olympic decathlon, securing his place as the first to achieve this feat, the legendary British decathlete Daley Thompson followed just over 18 seconds later, becoming the second athlete to accomplish this incredible milestone. This moment not only highlighted Werthner's individual achievement but also connected him to another great name in the sport, underscoring the era's competitive spirit.

A Dominant Force in Austrian Athletics

Werthner's influence extended far beyond the Olympic arena, as he was a consistently dominant presence in Austrian national athletics for well over a decade. His versatility and mastery across various disciplines were evident in his numerous national championship titles. He was crowned the Austrian national champion in the decathlon an impressive eight times, showcasing his unparalleled consistency and skill across many years (1975, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1982, 1984, 1986, and 1988). Such a prolonged period of national dominance is rare and speaks volumes about his athletic prowess.

Furthermore, his talents were not confined solely to the comprehensive decathlon. He also excelled in individual events, demonstrating a remarkable range. He secured the national title in the long jump in 1977, and showed particular strength in the triple jump, claiming the championship in 1977, 1979, 1980, and 1982. His javelin throwing skills were equally formidable, earning him national titles from 1979 to 1981, and again in 1983, 1984, and 1988. This collection of titles across throwing, jumping, and multi-event disciplines paints a picture of a truly complete athlete.

Club Legacy and Enduring Passion

Throughout much of his active career, Dr. Werthner was a proud member of the ULC Linz club, where he contributed significantly to their success. His speed and team spirit were evident as a vital member of their winning 4x100 metres relay teams in both 1980 and 1981, and also their triumphant 4x400 metres relay team in 1980. His enduring impact on the club is recognized today as he holds a revered place in their hall of fame, a testament to his outstanding contributions. Remarkably, he still holds several ULC Linz club records, including those for high jump, pole vault, javelin throw, pentathlon, and of course, the decathlon, further illustrating his exceptional talent and versatility. In 1984, he made a strategic move to the Zehnkampf-Union decathlon club, continuing his focus on the multi-event discipline.

Even today, Dr. Georg Werthner's passion for athletics remains undiminished. He continues to be an active and highly successful competitor in Masters athletics, a vibrant segment of the sport for athletes over a certain age. His continued dedication and competitive spirit have seen him win numerous titles at the World Masters Athletics Championships, proving that age is merely a number when it comes to true athletic passion and excellence. His story is one of consistent achievement, groundbreaking milestones, and a lifelong commitment to the demanding yet rewarding world of track and field.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dr. Georg Werthner

Who is Dr. Georg Werthner?
Dr. Georg Werthner is a distinguished Austrian decathlete, born on April 7, 1956, in Linz. He is widely recognized for his remarkable achievements in national and international athletics, particularly for being the first athlete to complete four Olympic decathlons.
What is Dr. Werthner's most significant Olympic achievement?
His most significant Olympic achievement is being the first athlete in history to finish four Olympic decathlons. This milestone highlights his incredible endurance, consistency, and dedication over a long and demanding career.
How many national titles did Georg Werthner win?
Dr. Werthner was a highly decorated athlete nationally, securing the Austrian national championship in the decathlon eight times. Additionally, he won multiple national titles in individual events such as long jump, triple jump, and javelin throw, showcasing his diverse athletic talents.
What is Masters athletics?
Masters athletics is a category of track and field sports for athletes who have reached a certain age, typically 35 years and older. It allows seasoned athletes to continue competing in various disciplines, often organized into age groups, celebrating lifelong engagement with sport.
Is Dr. Georg Werthner still competing in athletics?
Yes, Dr. Werthner remains an active and successful competitor. He is still highly involved in Masters athletics, where he has won numerous titles at the World Masters Athletics Championships, demonstrating his enduring passion and competitive spirit.