Eugen Ray (26 July 1957 – 9 January 1986) was an East German sprinter who ran in the 100 metres and 200 metres. He was born in Gerbstedt, Bezirk Halle, East Germany and died in Leipzig, East Germany.

Biography

Ray set a world junior 100m record of 10.16 seconds. He was East German 100 metres champion in 1977, 1978, and 1980. In 1978 he also won the East German indoor 60metres titles, as well as twice indoor 100metre champion.

He was European cup semi finalist 100metre champion in 1975, 1977, and 1979. And in 1977 he was European cup 100/200metre winner. After this he then went on to the World Cup held in West Germany where he came second in the 100metres narrowly beaten by Steve Williams of the USA. He then finished 2nd again with the German sprint relay team. A year later he was European silver medallist in the 100 metres and 4 × 100metres.

In 1980, he went to the Summer Olympics in Moscow where he ran in the 100 metres, but did not make it past the semi-final. He was in the East German relay team that finished fifth in the final. His 100m personal best was 10.12 seconds.

Ray died aged 28 on 9 January 1986 in a car crash whilst working as a traffic officer in East Germany. He was survived by his wife Marlies Ray who at the time was pregnant with their son.

See also

• German all-time top lists – 100 metres

• German all-time top lists – 200 metres

References

External links

• European Championships