Gisela Birkemeyer

Gisela Birkemeyer (née Köhler, 22 December 1931 – 26 March 2024) was a German hurdler and sprinter who won two medals in the 80 m hurdles at the 1956 and 1960 Olympics. During her career she set nine world records in the 80 m hurdles and in the 4×100 m, 4×110 yd and 4×200 m relays. She won 40 East German championships, mostly in the 80 m hurdles (1953–1961) and 200 m sprint (1956–1960). At the European Championships in Stockholm in 1958, she was third in the 80 m hurdles. In 1959, she was voted GDR Sportswoman of the Year.

Earlier in 1957 she married Heinz Birkemeyer and from 1960 competed under his name. After retiring from competitions she worked as a coach. Birkemeyer later lived as a pensioner in Berlin Marzahn. She died in Berlin on 26 March 2024, at the age of 92.