A winning throw of 69.43 metres in the final round at the 2009 World Championships secured a gold medal for Robert Harting, shifting him from second place to the top of the podium. This performance marked a significant turning point in his athletic career, cementing his status as a dominant figure in international men’s discus competition.
Early Development and Competition
Born on 18 October 1984 in Cottbus, Harting initially competed for the German Democratic Republic and later Germany. His international trajectory began with a silver medal at the 2001 World Youth Championships. Following a period of inconsistent results, including an eighth-place finish in qualifiers during the 2002 World Junior Championships, he secured gold at the 2005 European Athletics U23 Championships. By 2006, he transitioned to senior-level events, though he initially struggled to advance past qualifying rounds at the European Championships.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Ascent to International Dominance
The athlete achieved a personal best of 66.93 metres in 2007, earning a silver medal at that year's World Championships. During the 2008 Beijing Olympics, he finished fourth with a distance of 67.09 metres. His career reached its peak in May 2012 at the Hallesche Werfertage Meeting, where he recorded a throw of 70.31 metres, surpassing the seventy-metre threshold. That same year, he earned gold at the European Athletics Championships in Helsinki and successfully secured the gold medal in discus throwing at the London Olympics.
Championship Records and Recognition
Harting successfully defended his world title at the 2011 World Championships in Athletics with a mark of 68.97 metres and claimed a third consecutive world title in 2013 in Moscow. He retained his European title in 2014. Throughout his career, he represented the sports club SCC Berlin under the guidance of coach Torsten Schmidt. His notable awards include the German Sportspersonality of the Year for three consecutive years—2012, 2013, and 2014—as well as the Order of Merit of Berlin, the Silbernes Lorbeerblatt, and the 2018 Askania Award.
Fast facts
- Born: 18 October 1984, Cottbus
- Sport: Discus throwing
- Club: SCC Berlin
- Personal best: 70.31 m
- Olympic gold: 2012
- Language: German
- Citizenship: Germany, German Democratic Republic
Questions readers ask
What is Robert Harting’s personal best distance?
He recorded a personal best of 70.31 metres at the 2012 Hallesche Werfertage Meeting.
Which major awards has Robert Harting received?
He was named German Sportspersonality of the Year in 2012, 2013, and 2014, and holds the Order of Merit of Berlin and the Silbernes Lorbeerblatt.
