Meinhard Nehmer, German bobsledder

Meinhard Nehmer, born on January 13, 1941, in Boblin near Pölitz, Pomerania, Germany, stands as an iconic figure in the history of bobsleigh. Renowned for his remarkable athleticism and strategic prowess as a driver, Nehmer distinguished himself as a formidable East German bobsledder during the sport's golden era, competing at the highest international levels from the mid-1970s to the early 1980s. His journey into elite sports was unconventional, particularly given his roots as the son of a farmer on the picturesque island of Rügen, Germany's largest island in the Baltic Sea.

From Javelin to Bobsleigh: An Unlikely Transition to Olympic Glory

Prior to his illustrious bobsleigh career, Meinhard Nehmer was a dedicated athlete in track and field, excelling as a javelin thrower. He achieved an impressive personal best of 81.5 meters, a significant mark that highlights his exceptional physical capabilities and throwing technique. This level of performance placed him among the top national competitors in East Germany, a country known for its highly structured and successful sports programs. However, at the age of 30, Nehmer made the pivotal decision to retire from javelin competition. It was at this point, at the relatively advanced age of 32 for a new elite sports venture, that he was approached by Horst Hörnlein, a visionary and highly influential coach within the East German bobsleigh federation. Initially, Nehmer expressed skepticism, questioning the viability of embarking on a new, physically demanding sport at an age when most athletes consider retirement. Yet, Hörnlein's foresight proved correct. Astonishingly, by the time of his monumental Olympic debut and success in 1976, Nehmer had been involved in competitive bobsleigh for only three years, a testament to his innate talent, rapid learning curve, and the rigorous training regimen he underwent.

Olympic Triumphs: A Legacy of Gold

Meinhard Nehmer's name is synonymous with Olympic glory. Competing in two Winter Olympic Games, he amassed an impressive four medals, including three golds and one bronze. His debut at the 1976 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria, was nothing short of spectacular. Not only did he achieve a historic double gold, winning both the Two-man and Four-man bobsleigh events – a rare and challenging feat that demonstrated unparalleled mastery in both disciplines – but he was also accorded the immense honor of carrying the East German flag during the Games' opening ceremonies, signifying his stature as a national hero. This marked a significant moment for East German bobsleigh on the world stage. Four years later, at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, USA, Nehmer continued his remarkable performance, securing another gold medal in the Four-man bobsleigh, solidifying his status as a dominant force. He also added a bronze medal in the Two-man event, further cementing his place among the bobsleigh elite.

What were Meinhard Nehmer's Olympic bobsleigh achievements?

• 1976 Winter Olympics (Innsbruck, Austria): Gold in Two-man Bobsleigh
• 1976 Winter Olympics (Innsbruck, Austria): Gold in Four-man Bobsleigh
• 1980 Winter Olympics (Lake Placid, USA): Gold in Four-man Bobsleigh
• 1980 Winter Olympics (Lake Placid, USA): Bronze in Two-man Bobsleigh

World Championship Success

Beyond the Olympics, Meinhard Nehmer's consistent excellence was also evident at the FIBT World Championships, now officially known as the IBSF World Championships (International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation). He earned four world championship medals, further cementing his reputation as one of the sport's most decorated athletes. His achievements include a gold medal in the Four-man event in 1977, two silver medals (Two-man in 1978 and Four-man in 1979), and a bronze medal in the Four-man competition in 1978. These accolades highlight his enduring competitive spirit and ability to perform at the highest level year after year.

Life Beyond the Track: From Navy to Coaching Legend

Upon his retirement from competitive bobsleigh in the early 1980s, Meinhard Nehmer transitioned into a new chapter of his life, serving in the Volksmarine, the navy of East Germany. He rose through the ranks, achieving the distinguished position of Commander (Fregattenkapitän in German, a rank comparable to a Lieutenant Commander or Commander in NATO navies). However, the political landscape of Germany underwent a seismic shift with the German reunification in late 1990, leading to the dissolution of East German state institutions, including the Volksmarine. As a consequence, Nehmer, like many others, was forced out of his military role.

Despite this abrupt change, Nehmer's passion for bobsleigh remained undimmed, leading him to embark on an equally impactful career as a coach, sharing his unparalleled expertise with the next generation of athletes across different nations. His coaching journey began with the United States national bobsleigh team, whom he guided from 1991 to 1993. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in preparing the US team for the 1992 Winter Olympics. More notably, in 1993, he orchestrated a significant breakthrough, leading the US to their first bobsleigh medal at the FIBT World Championships in 24 years, a remarkable achievement that revitalized the nation's program. Under his guidance, Brian Shimer's crew also secured an overall Bobsleigh World Cup title, showcasing Nehmer's profound influence on their success.

Following his impactful stint with the American team, Nehmer's international coaching career continued as he took on the role of Italian national coach, a position he held from 1993 to 2000. His extensive experience and tactical acumen were highly sought after. Later, he returned to his home country's program, joining the formidable German national team as an assistant coach. In this capacity, he worked alongside his former brakeman, Raimund Bethge, and contributed significantly to the Olympic victories of German bobsleigh legends Christoph Langen and André Lange, widely regarded as two of the most successful bobsledders of all time. His ability to transfer his vast knowledge and strategic insights to these athletes underscored his enduring legacy in the sport.

Meinhard Nehmer eventually retired from his distinguished coaching career after the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy, choosing to return to his roots on the picturesque island of Rügen, where he resumed farming. His remarkable contributions to bobsleigh, both as a competitor and a mentor, were formally recognized in July 2016 when he was deservedly inducted into Germany's Sports Hall of Fame, a supreme honor acknowledging his lifetime of dedication and excellence in the sport.

When did Meinhard Nehmer transition from athlete to coach?

• After retiring from competitive bobsleigh in the early 1980s and a period of service in the Volksmarine, he began his coaching career in 1991 with the United States national bobsleigh team.

Which national bobsleigh teams did Meinhard Nehmer coach?

• United States (1991-1993)
• Italy (1993-2000)
• Germany (as assistant coach, post-2000 until 2006)

What is Meinhard Nehmer's personal background?

• Born in Pomerania, he grew up on the island of Rügen, the son of a farmer. He returned to farming on Rügen after retiring from coaching.