Dieter Speer


Dieter Speer is a former East German biathlete.
He was the first German to hold the title when he became world champion in biathlon in 1971, beating the outstanding Alexander Tikhonov over 20 kilometres. Tikhonov could be said to be partly responsible for Speer's success, since the rifle was a gift from Tikhonov.
Speer was able to return the favour a year later at the 1972 Winter Olympics in Sapporo, lending Tikhonov his ski when the latter fell during the relay and broke a ski. In that event, the Russians won, and the East German team only got a bronze medal.

Biathlon results

All results are sourced from the International Biathlon Union.

Olympic Games

1 medal
EventIndividualRelay
1968 Grenoble18th6th
1972 Sapporo13thBronze

World Championships

3 medals
EventIndividualRelay
1969 Zakopane21st5th
1970 Östersund4thBronze
1971 HämeenlinnaGold10th
1973 Lake Placid13thBronze