Overview

• Renate Stecher, who turned 75 on May 12, 2025, remains celebrated as the first woman to run 100 meters in under 11 seconds, achieving a hand-timed 10.9 seconds in 1973.
• Her illustrious career includes three Olympic gold medals, five European titles, and 17 world records, solidifying her status as Germany’s most successful female track athlete.
• Post-retirement, Stecher became a sports educator and worked on the German Athletics Association’s anti-doping commission, advocating for clean sports despite her own career being shadowed by DDR-era doping allegations.
• She continues to highlight systemic issues in sports doping while expressing frustration over the one-sided focus on DDR practices compared to broader global doping revelations.
• Now active with her grandchildren and family, Stecher reflects on her legacy, marking her milestone birthday with celebrations in stages and a continued passion for athletics.