Fritz Thiedemann

German equestrian, considered to be one of the greatest show jumpers of his time.

Thiedemann riding talents became clear at a young age, but he could not display them internationally until after World War II. During the war, Theidemann commanded a cavalry unit and was captured and interred at a Russian prison camp by wars end.

At the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki, Thiedemann achieved a unique performance, winning medals in two equestrian disciplines, a feat since unequalled. He placed third in the dressage team event, and also won the bronze medal in the individual jumping contest with his favourite horse Meteor, with which he would win all major prizes in his career.

The following year, Thiedemann won a jumping silver medal at the World Championships in Paris. He won another medal (bronze) in that event in 1956 in Aachen. That same year, he won a gold medal with the United Team of Germany in the 1956 Olympics in Stockholm, while just missing out on an individual medal with a fourth position.

At the 1958 European Championships in Aachen, he took the champion title. Thiedemann was the flag-bearer of the United Team of Germany (composed of both East and West German athletes) at the 1960 Olympics in Rome. The United Team of Germany successfully defended their jumping title, and Thiedemann winning his fourth Olympic medal. In addition, he placed 6th in the individual jumping competition.

Fritz Thiedemann and his Meteor retired from the sport in Aachen 1961, after helping Germany winning the Nations Cup. He was then only 43 years old and Meteor 17 years.

He died 8 January 2000, Heide at age 81.