Born: 1952 (Hainichen, East Germany)
Died: 2017 (Oberhof, Germany)
Biography:
Margit Schumann (14 September 1952 – 11 April 2017) was an East German luger who left an indelible mark on the sport during her career in the 1970s and early 1980s. Born in the small town of Hainichen, Schumann discovered her passion for luge at a young age and dedicated herself to becoming one of the best in the world.
Schumann’s talent and determination quickly propelled her to the forefront of the sport. Competing in three Winter Olympics, she showcased her exceptional skills and won two medals in the women’s singles event. She claimed the bronze medal in 1972 and reached the pinnacle of success with a glorious gold medal performance in 1976. Schumann’s prowess on the track and her ability to handle the high-pressure situations made her a formidable force in the world of luge.
But Schumann’s achievements extended well beyond the Olympic Games. She dominated the FIL World Luge Championships, securing an impressive four consecutive gold medals from 1973 to 1975 and another gold in 1977. Her remarkable streak of victories set a new standard of excellence in the sport. It would not be until Sylke Otto, another German luger, matched Schumann’s record in 2000, 2001, 2003, and 2005.
The FIL European Luge Championships also witnessed Schumann’s extraordinary talent. She won a total of five medals, including three golds in 1973, 1974, and 1975. Schumann’s success continued with a silver medal in 1977 and a bronze in 1979, cementing her status as one of the greatest lugers of her era.
After a sixth-place finish at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, Schumann decided to transition from athlete to coach. She enrolled in the Academy for Physical Culture in Leipzig to study Sports Sciences and become a specialist trainer in sports sledding. Schumann’s knowledge and expertise made her an invaluable asset to the next generation of lugers, as she took on coaching roles at Oberhof and eventually became an East German team selector.
Following the reunification of Germany in 1990, Schumann found a new position as a Personnel specialist with the military Sports Promotion group at Oberhof. Her dedication to the sport and her ability to contribute to the development of athletes remained unwavering. The military commissariat later assigned her to their Psychological Section at Zella-Mehlis, where she continued to impact the lives of young athletes.
In recognition of her extraordinary career and contribution to the sport, Schumann was one of the first three inductees into the International Luge Federation (FIL) Hall of Fame in 2004, alongside Klaus Bonsack and Paul Hildgartner. Her legacy as a trailblazer and role model for future generations of lugers will forever be remembered.
Margit Schumann passed away on 11 April 2017, in Oberhof, at the age of 64. Her remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment to the sport of luge will forever be celebrated, leaving an enduring impact on the world of winter sports.
Awards:
– 1972 Winter Olympics: Bronze medal, Women’s singles luge
– 1976 Winter Olympics: Gold medal, Women’s singles luge
– FIL World Luge Championships: Gold medals in 1973, 1974, 1975, and 1977
– FIL European Luge Championships: Gold medals in 1973, 1974, and 1975; silver medal in 1977; bronze medal in 1979