How Kemper saved Wottle's gold

The men’s 800m final was one of the greatest races at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich. In an incredible finish, Dave Wottle — seemingly hopelessly behind and in last place after 400m — came from sixth position at 600m to catch Evgeni Arzhanov of the Soviet Union in the last metre, winning in 1:45.86.

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This final is still a hit on YouTube today.

The end of the dramatic video shows Wottle at the finish line, wearing his iconic cap, not realising what has just happened to him. And only one person, Franz-Josef Kemper from West Germany, congratulates him. This picture of Kemper, who finished fourth behind Kenya’s Mike Boit (1:46.01) in 1:46.50, shaking hands with the US winner, is a classic one from Munich 1972.

They say that a picture is worth a thousand words, but in this case, the previously unknown story behind this shot says much more.

A moving story has only now come to light, almost 53 years after the 800m final on 2 September 1972. It turns out that Wottle had Kemper to thank for his Olympic victory.

Before the race, an official had threatened to disqualify Wottle because he had one spike too many in his shoes. Wottle didn't have a spike wrench to remove one. But Kemper managed to organise a spike wrench at the last second, and Wottle’s race was saved. His path to gold was clear.