Last modified: 11 May 2000
His triumphs include winning nine medals for swimming, athletics, tennis and skiing. In 1980 he led the German team in the New York Games. He was a founder of the German Sports Federation in 1981, being elected President. He remained in that position until 1992 when a worthy successor, Knut Erben, took over a thriving organization.
Karl was appointed Treasurer of the World Transplant Games Federation when it began in 1987 and has guided its finances ever since. Together with Maurice Slapak, Peter Griffin and others he was involved with launching the WTGF in Innsbruck, and he has continued to serve as its Treasurer.
Despite a rather conservative and measured front (as you might expect from a Treasurer) Karl actually likes the fast lane. In 1965, at the age of 28, he competed in the German Racing Drivers' Championship finishing 2nd. He won many prizes in motor racing, particularly in Inter Services team events. Even now, his idea of a relaxing holiday is to join his friends and career round Europe on powerful motorcycles - looking like sort of peaceful Hells Angels.
He had actually become interested in motor racing whilst serving as a transport officer in the German Air Force - 1959 until 1982. After his transplant he decided that civilian life was a better option. Following a job for an international company in which he was responsible for delivering parcels, etc. world wide he again decided to'go for it'. So, holding his breath, he invested his worldly goods in turning a state-owned delivery company into a private concern. Homlog, his company based in Agermunde on the border between Poland and Germany, has become highly successful. Huge trucks emblazoned with that name motor around Europe, while Karl attends to our accounts.
Karl has not forgotten what it is like to be sick or needy. Quietly, he is involved in aid to certain Eastern Europe countries and guess who is at the wheel of a large motor vehicle full of goodies? Well, like we said, he does like driving. At his recent 60th birthday (a very good party- President) vivacious Karin, his wife said "he just won't stop." And that's what we like to hear, Karl.
(FROM ED.) I have known Karl since the Games in 1979 and it's a pleasure to know him.
Last modified:
11 May 2000