Harald Schmid

Harald Schmid (born September 29, 1957 in Hanau, Germany) is a former German track-and-field athlete.

Schmid was one of the best 400 m hurdles runners in the world. His duels with Edwin Moses during the late 1970s and early 1980s are unforgettable. His race against Moses in Rome, 1987, is ranked as one of the races of the century. Schmid won bronze with the 4x400 m relay team at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal as well as an individual bronze in 400 m hurdles at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles in 1984.

In addition, he won silver in 1983 at the first World Championshps in Helsinki in the 400 m hurdles and the 4x400 m relay team and a further bronze in the Rome World Championships in 1987.

He won gold at the European Championships 5 times (3 individual and 2 team medals) and one silver with the team. His personal best over 400 m hurdles was 47.48 s (1982 & 1987), at one point the second fastest time ever (current European record: 47.37, world record: 46.78).

Harald Schmid has a PhD in Sports Science and was appointed to the IAAF athletes commission in 1999. He participates actively in anti-drug campaigns and encourages children's sport activities.

References

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* http://www.pr400.de Harald Schmid's public relations company.
* [http://espn.go.com/moresports/columns/hollobaugh_jeff/257973.html 400 m Hurdles, Rom 1987 (ESPN).]