Heinfried Birlenbach

Heinfried Birlenbach (May 24, 1940 – November 11, 2020)^[1] was a West Germanshot putter. He was born in Siegen.

Birlenbach finished fifth at the 1966 European Championships,^[2] eighth at the 1968 Summer Olympics^[3] and seventh at the 1972 Summer Olympics, the latter in a career best throw of 20.37 metres. This places him 26th on the German all-time list.^[4] He also won the 1968 and 1969 European Indoor Games, the latter in a new championship record of 19.51 metres.^[5] He became German champion six consecutive seasons: 1966 - 1971.^[6] He competed for the sports club Sportfreunde Siegen during his active career.

References

1. Kruppa, Frank (2020-11-17). "Dreimal bei Olympischen Spielen: Trauer um Kugelstoßer Heinfried Birlenbach". www.siegener-zeitung.de (in German). Retrieved 2025-12-10.
2. "Athletics photographic encyclopedia, athlete, olympic games, world championship, european championship & hero images by sporting-heroes.net". www.sporting-heroes.net. Retrieved 2025-12-10.
3. "Athletics photographic encyclopedia, athlete, olympic games, world championship, european championship & hero images by sporting-heroes.net". www.sporting-heroes.net. Retrieved 2025-12-10.
4. German all-time list, men's shot put
5. "European Indoor Championships (Men)". www.gbrathletics.com. Retrieved 2025-12-10.
6. "Leichtathletik - Deutsche Meisterschaften (Kugelstoßen - Herren)". www.sport-komplett.de. Retrieved 2025-12-10.