Marita Koch

Biography

Marita Koch's 400m world record of 47.60, set in Canberra in 1985, has stood for 39 years and counting — the oldest individual world record in women's track and field. The East German sprinter won Olympic gold at Moscow 1980 and accumulated 16 world records across the 100m, 200m, and 400m. Like all GDR athletes of her era, the doping cloud hangs heavy, and her 47.60 is widely considered unbreakable under clean conditions. But officially, it stands — a time capsule from an era that modern athletics cannot match.

Career Highlights

• 400m WR 47.60 (1985, still standing)
• 1 Olympic gold (1980 Moscow)
• 3 World Championship golds
• 16 world records across 100m/200m/400m
• Most enduring WR in women's track

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