Herbert Runge


Herbert Runge was a German heavyweight boxer. He won the gold medal at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin.
He was born in Elberfeld, which later became part of Wuppertal, where he died as well.

Amateur career

Runge's biggest success was his gold medal at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin. He also won three medals at the European Amateur Boxing Championships. In addition to that, he is an eight-time German amateur champion, as well as two-time runner-up to Hein ten Hoff in 1940 and 1944.

1936 Summer Olympics

Runge had an unsuccessful professional career that spanned from 1946 to 1949. Of 25 bouts, he won 5, drew 6 and lost 13 with one ending in a no contest.

Commemoration

Still standing today is Runge's Olympic oak tree, that was given to every German 1936 Olympic champion to plant themselves as part of Nazi propaganda and Olympic legacy. It stands just outside the away section of Wuppertal's Stadion am Zoo football stadium, home to former Bundesliga club Wuppertaler SV.
A commemorative plaque with the inscription,
"Olympia-Eiche

Herbert Runge
  • 23.01.1913 + 11.03.1986
Wuppertal

Olympiasieger Berlin 1936
Boxen Schwergewicht ",
has been attached to the stadium fence in front of the tree in 1999.