His world record is a hot topic, and he also won Olympic bronze. Strength and fighting spirit characterized the world-class decathlete Kurt Bendlin throughout his life. Now “Kuddel” is dead.
Former decathlon world record holder Kurt Bendlin has died. As his wife confirmed to the German Press Agency, the 1968 Olympic bronze medalist died last Thursday in Paderborn. The father of two children was 81 years old.
King, fighter, powerhouse: With his spectacular heat world record, former decathlon hero Kurt Bendlin created a highlight in athletics in the summer of 1967. But the country boy, who grew up in Malente in Schleswig-Holstein, was always particularly proud of his Olympic bronze medal.
On May 14, 1967, the muscular sports student crowned the hottest weekend of his sports career with an incredible decathlon world record. In the university stadium in Heidelberg, Bendlin collected 8,319 points in 38 degrees in the shade – the spectators celebrated their “King of Athletes” for the highlight of his eventful career. This coup, Olympic bronze in 1968 in Mexico City, four German championship titles and being voted “Sportsman of the Year” in 1967 were his greatest successes.
The bronze plaque always had a golden sheen for the father of daughter Nicola and son Kolja. Because it came unexpectedly and was hard fought for: One year after his world record, Bendlin was considered the top favorite in Mexico, even though he was injured during preparation in Flagstaff/USA and could hardly train for six weeks.
14 operations during his career
Plagued by cramps, the German catapulted himself onto the podium with an incredible energy performance on the second day. “What I got out of myself in the hell of an Olympic decathlon – unbelievable,” said the rather small all-rounder, who is 1.83 meters tall. “That was the greatest achievement for me.”
Bendlin once said that he “more or less slipped into” the world record. During his active career from 1962 to 1976, the powerhouse had to endure a total of 14 operations. “My problem was that my strength was greater than the durability of my bones and joints.”
Decathlon, career – and then marriage
The fathers of his sporting successes were the legendary trainers Bert Sumser and Friedel Schirmer. But his great happiness had only one name: Martina. The two had known each other since 1966, but it was not until 1980 – 14 years later – that the couple tied the knot. “My husband just couldn’t get it right: he couldn’t decide between the decathlon, his job and marriage,” said his partner. “My husband has a big heart, he is lovable, always helpful and generous,” said Martina Bendlin on the occasion of her “Kuddel’s” 65th birthday.
For years, the qualified sports teacher gave fitness courses for tired managers in Malente, his hometown. That’s where his mother fled with two-year-old Kurt in the chaos of war. His father died as a result of being a prisoner of war. Bendlin was born on May 22, 1943 in Thorn, West Prussia, and grew up in Malente.
“Living in the here and now”
His father and child courses in the “camp” on the farm in Paderborn were also well received. “Kuddel” Bendlin was also involved in social projects, helping alcohol and drug addicts get back on track. “Never give up! Make the best of everything” was his motto – right up until the end. “For me, only the moment is important. I live in the here and now and always as if it were the last day,” the restless pensioner revealed his philosophy of life on his 75th birthday.
Source: Stern
I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.
