Hans Lenk

German rower Hans Lenk studied mathematics, philosophy, sociology, sports science, and psychology in Freiburg and Kiel. He became the first philosopher in the history of the Modern Olympic Games to win a gold medal. In 1959 he joined the eights that dominantly won the European title, and in 1960 Olympic gold. After graduating as a philosopher, Lenk taught in Kiel and Berlin first, but then in 1969 became professor in Karlsruhe. He became one of the world’s leading philosophers, writing books on social philosophy, philosophy of mind and science theory. His CV comprised over 130 books and a total of over 3,000 titles.

During the 1970s he was one of the first sport administrators demanding unannounced drug tests during training. He also criticized ongoing commercialization in sports. In 2012 Lenk was inducted to the Hall of Fame of German Sports. He has been President of the German Philosophical Society from 1990-1993, between 1993-2008 member of the Steering Committee and from 1998 to 2003 Vice-President of the Fédération Internationale des Sociétés de Philosophie (FISP). Since 1994 he has been a member and 1996 President of the Institut International de Philosophie (Paris) where he remains an honorary President.