Heinrich Popow

Heinrich Popow is a German Paralympic athlete, born on July 14, 1983, in Leverkusen, Germany. He is widely regarded as one of the most successful Paralympic athletes of all time. Popow began his athletic career as a sprinter and long jumper, and later transitioned to being a prosthetist, helping others who have lost limbs.

Popow is known for his incredible speed, agility, and jumping ability. He has won numerous individual awards, including gold medals at the Paralympic Games, and holds multiple records in his field.

Off the track, Popow is also recognized for his philanthropy and influence, making significant charitable contributions and inspiring millions worldwide.

Early Career

• Popow was born and raised in Leverkusen, Germany. He lost his left leg to cancer at the age of 9. Despite the setback, he started his athletic career as a sprinter and long jumper.

International Success

• Popow's first major international success came at the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens, where he won a bronze medal in the long jump. In 2008, he won a silver medal in the same event at the Beijing Paralympics. His greatest achievement came in 2012 when he won a gold medal in the long jump at the London Paralympics.

Post-Athletic Career

• After retiring from competitive sports, Popow transitioned to being a prosthetist. He has worked with numerous athletes and other individuals who have lost limbs, helping them adjust to their new lives and continue pursuing their dreams.

Germany Paralympic Team

• Debut: Made his debut for the German Paralympic team in 2004.

Achievements:

• Paralympic Games: Winner of a gold medal in the long jump in 2012. He also won a silver medal in 2008 and a bronze in 2004.
• World Championships: Winner of a gold medal in the long jump in 2011.
• European Championships: Winner of gold medals in the 100m sprint and long jump in 2014.

• Events: Primarily a sprinter and long jumper, but also excels in other track and field events.
• Skills: Known for his incredible speed, agility, and jumping ability. Popow is celebrated for his versatility and resilience.

• Family: Popow is married and has a son.
• Philanthropy: Popow is involved in various charitable activities and has donated significant sums to cancer research and helping others who have lost limbs.

• Heinrich Popow is celebrated not only for his extraordinary talent and numerous records, but also for his resilience, determination, and contributions to the field of prosthetics. His impact on the sport and his status as an icon extend beyond the track, inspiring millions of fans around the world.

Paralympic Games Achievements:

• Gold medal in long jump (2012)

World Championships Achievements:

• Gold medal in long jump (2011)

European Championships Achievements:

• Gold medals in 100m sprint and long jump (2014)

Books

• Popow, H. (2016) Alles ist möglich: Der Wille zum Erfolg. Munich: Ariston Verlag.

Websites

• Paralympic Games: Information about Heinrich Popow’s international career and achievements. Available at: https://www.paralympic.org
• International Paralympic Committee: Details about Popow’s career. Available at: https://www.ipc-athletics.org

Articles

• Deutsche Welle: Heinrich Popow: A life in sport. Available at: https://www.dw.com/en/heinrich-popow-a-life-in-sport/a-19403691

Interviews and Documentaries

• Mein Weg (2014): Directed by Sebastian Dehnhardt. This documentary provides a detailed look at Popow’s life and career.