Haase, Helga (1934–1989)

views updated

Haase, Helga (1934–1989)

East German speedskater. Name variations: Helga Haase-Obschernitzki. Born Helga Obschernitzki, June 9, 1934, in Danzig-Schidlitz, Germany; died June 16, 1989; m. Helmut Haase (her trainer), 1955.

Won a gold medal for the 500 meters (the 1st female Olympic speedskating champion) and a silver medal for the 1,000 meters at Squaw Valley Olympics (1960); at World championships, placed 3rd in 500 and 1,000 meters (1962); won 9 National allround championships.