Harald Schmid

Who is Harald Schmid?

Harald Schmid is a former German track and field athlete.

Schmid was one of the best 400 metres hurdles runners in the world during his career. His duels with Edwin Moses during the late 1970s and early 1980s are unforgettable. He was the last person to beat Moses before the incredible streak of victories, many with Schmid the closest challenger.

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 Championships 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 and one silver with the team. His personal best over 400 m hurdles was 47.48 s, at one point the European record and the second fastest time ever. As of 1st September 2014, his time of 47.48 secs from Rome in 1987 is the fastest third-placing run in history.