Karl Bechler (15 February 1886 – 29 March 1945) was a

German German(s) may refer to: * Germany (of or related to) **Germania (historical use) * Germans, citizens of Germany, people of German ancestry, or native speakers of the German language ** For citizens of Germany, see also German nationality law **Ger ...

athlete An athlete (also sportsman or sportswoman) is a person who competes in one or more sports that involve physical strength, speed, or endurance. Athletes may be professionals or amateurs. Most professional athletes have particularly well-devel ...

, born in Danzig. He competed at the

1908 Summer Olympics The 1908 Summer Olympics (officially the Games of the IV Olympiad and also known as London 1908) were an international multi-sport event held in London, England, United Kingdom, from 27 April to 31 October 1908. The 1908 Games were ori ...

London London is the capital and largest city of England and the United Kingdom, with a population of just under 9 million. It stands on the River Thames in south-east England at the head of a estuary down to the North Sea, and has been a majo ...

. In the

100 metres The 100 metres, or 100-meter dash, is a sprint race in track and field competitions. The shortest common outdoor running distance, the dash is one of the most popular and prestigious events in the sport of athletics. It has been conteste ...

, Bechler finished second in his first round heat with a time of 11.4 seconds, just behind winner Patrick Roche. The loss meant Bechler did not advance to the semifinals. He also participated in the javelin throw competition but his result is unknown. A veteran of World War I, in which he was awarded the

Iron Cross The Iron Cross (german: link=no, Eisernes Kreuz, , abbreviated EK) was a military decoration in the Kingdom of Prussia, and later in the German Empire (1871–1918) and Nazi Germany (1933–1945). King Frederick William III of Prussia est ...

, he died from shrapnel wounds in the last days of World War II in the cellar of his house in Danzig.

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* * * 1886 births 1945 deaths Athletes from Gdańsk Athletes from Pomeranian Voivodeship German male sprinters German male javelin throwers Olympic athletes for Germany Athletes (track and field) at the 1908 Summer Olympics Recipients of the Iron Cross (1914) German civilians killed in World War II German Army personnel of World War I 20th-century German sportsmen {{Germany-sprint-bio-stub