Eberhard Riedel: The “Miracle from the Fichtelberg” Turns 80!

There are people you simply have to bow to. Because they have created and achieved great things in their lives, because they are at peace with themselves, because they serve as role models for others in their professional and/or private lives.

This all applies to Eberhard Riedel, which is why the bow is a bit deeper than usual. The figurehead of East German ski sports of the 1950s and 1960s turns 80 on February 14 and can look back on a dynamic and fulfilling life.

Now it would be easy to post a biography online, as there are also on sites like and other relevant pages. Wikipedia Nevertheless, the key facts should be mentioned here: born in Lauter/Saxony, the most prominent ski racer of the GDR, three-time Olympic participant (1960, 1964, 1968), two-time World Championship participant, victory in the giant slalom in Adelboden in 1961 as a career highlight. (Only Felix Neureuther could triumph at this point later, in another century, in 2014.) Married to Hannelore, father of two sons.

“I am especially pleased that, due to my victory at the 7th International Adelbodener Skisport Days in 2004, I was inducted into the ‘Place of Fame’ in Adelboden. That’s already 14 years ago—time flies… This honor moved me because it is proof of past, but not forgotten, achievements,” says Eberhard Riedel. “I have been able to experience so much, as a DDR citizen I could travel abroad in the name of sport, I even went as far as South America. I am grateful and happy.”

The sober biography does not do justice to the person Eberhard “Ebs” Riedel, who after his active career remained in his field as a sports scientist and trainer in football, alpine skiing and ski jumping (also as trainer of Jens Weißflog). Riedel is reserved but also outspoken when needed, friendly yet able to stand his ground. He is a pleasant older gentleman who is a calm and steady pillar within his family, who knows what he was—the “miracle from the Fichtelberg”—and who does not take himself more seriously than he is.

In the past, “Ebs” dealt with ski jumping hills and take-off speeds and sparked his son Peter’s interest in this matter. Today he lives in Oberwiesenthal, rejoices in the great success of the ski jump systems bearing the name Peter Riedel, and follows the sport, especially winter sports, with the same steady interest.

This will not change in the new year of life either. And so we bow to a personality whom you simply have to know.

Here, Dad, from me, all the love and best wishes on your milestone birthday! Peter