Born: 17 September 1962 (Lauter, Saxony)
Died: 21 June 2017
Biography:
Steffi Martin Walter (17 September 1962 – 21 June 2017) was a German luger who competed during the 1980s, representing East Germany. She was born in Lauter, Saxony on 17 September 1962. After marrying, she lived in Großdubrau with her husband and had three children. Martin took a break from sports after the birth of her first child but later made a comeback.
Martin’s luge career was marked by numerous achievements and records. She participated in the FIL European Luge Championships in 1982 held at Winterberg, where she won her first silver medal in the Women’s Single event. In 1986, Martin won another silver medal at Hammarstrand.
Her most significant successes came at the FIL World Luge Championships. In 1983, Martin won her first gold medal in the women’s singles event at Lake Placid, New York. This victory was followed by another gold medal in 1985 at Oberhof, Germany. Martin’s dominance extended to the Luge World Cup, where she became the overall champion in women’s singles in the 1983-84 season. She shared this accomplishment with her East German teammate, Bettina Schmidt.
Martin’s crowning achievement came in the Winter Olympics. Under her maiden name, Martin, she won the gold medal in the women’s singles event at the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia. She then made history by becoming the first woman to successfully defend her Olympic title. At the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, now competing as Steffi Martin Walter, she claimed her second consecutive gold medal.
Martin’s impressive record at the Olympics was eventually equaled by Sylke Otto, who won gold in 2002 and 2006. Nevertheless, Martin’s achievements remain a testament to her skill and dedication to the sport.
Outside of luge, Martin pursued a career as a physiotherapist. She also completed her studies in law and worked in county administration. In recognition of her contributions to her hometown, Martin was named an honorary citizen of Lauter in 1998.
Despite her success, Martin faced challenges in her personal life. In October 2016, she was diagnosed with cancer. Sadly, Martin passed away on 21 June 2017, leaving behind a legacy as one of Germany’s greatest lugers.
Awards:
– Olympic Gold Medal (1984, 1988)
– 2x FIL World Luge Championships Gold Medal (1983, 1985)
– 2x FIL European Luge Championships Silver Medal (1982, 1986)