About Heinz Fütterer
Lived 1931 – 2019 (aged 87). Heinz Fütterer was a German athletics competitor, sprinter, runner, athlete and olympic champion.
Heinrich Ludwig Fütterer (; 14 October 1931 – 10 February 2019 ) was a German athlete, who mainly competed in sprint events.
Early life He was born in Illingen.
Fütterer competed for the United Team of Germany in the 1956 Summer Olympics held in Melbourne, Australia, where he won the bronze medal in the 4 × 100 metre relay with his teammates Lothar Knörzer, Leonhard Pohl and Manfred Germar but didn't reach the 100 m final.
In 1954 he won two gold medals at the European Championships in Bern, Switzerland, in 1958 he won the relay with Germany.
His nickname was "weißer Blitz" ("white lightning").
His best time in the 100 meters was 10.2 seconds, equalling the world record held by Jesse Owens and a number of other sprinters. He ran the race in Japan (1954). His best in the 200 meters was 20.8 seconds. He was part of the German world record 4 × 100 m relay of 1958.
Fütterer died in Illingen on 10 February 2019 at the age of 87.
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Important facts
People in Heinz Fütterer's life
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Heinz Fütterer?
West German athlete (1931-2019)
When was Heinz Fütterer born?
Heinz Fütterer was born on 14 October 1931 in Elchesheim-Illingen.
When did Heinz Fütterer die?
Heinz Fütterer died on 10 February 2019 in Elchesheim-Illingen.
What was Heinz Fütterer's occupation?
Heinz Fütterer was an athletics competitor, sprinter, runner, athlete and olympic champion.
What nationality was Heinz Fütterer?
Heinz Fütterer was German.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Heinz Fütterer. https://biography.guide/heinz-futterer/
MLA: "Heinz Fütterer." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/heinz-futterer/.
Chicago: "Heinz Fütterer." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/heinz-futterer/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-22 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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