Wayne State University Athletics

Representing another jewel in Wayne State's illustrious track and field history, Goetz Heinrich Klopfer enjoyed international fame and acclaim after competing as a strong member of the Wayne State track and cross-country contingents. A two-time member of the United States Olympic Track and Field team as a racewalker, Klopfer placed 10th in the 50-kilometer walk with a time of 4:39:13.8 at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City, Mexico and finished 19th in the 20-kilometer walk at the 1972 Olympic Games held in Munich, West Germany. His noteworthy accomplishments as a racewalker were not merely confined to his Olympic performances, however as he also earned international recognition through his efforts at various other major meets. He claimed a gold medal at the 1971 Pan-American Games in the 20-kilometer walk, collected a bronze medal at the 1967 Pan-American Games in the 50-kilometer walk, captured second place at the 1972 United States Olympic Trials in the 20-kilometer walk, and became the national champion in the 50-kilometer walk in 1963 at the NJAAU Meet. Additional laurels included championships attained at the 1973 San Francisco Examiner Games in the two-mile walk and 1973 Oakland Invitational in the 1500-meter walk, runner-up positions in the 25, 40, and 50-kilometer walks at the 1967 NAAU Meet, and a sixth place finish in the 20-kilometer walk at the 1971 USA-USSR-Great Britain Games. He has established eight American racewalking records including marks recorded at 25-kilometers (1:56:53.0), 30 kilometers (2:23:14.0), 35 kilometers (2:55:00.8), 40 kilometers (3:26:00.0), 15 miles (1:52:44.0), 20 miles (2:33:59.8), 25 miles (3:27:23.0), and the longest distance covered in two hours (15 miles and 1,578 yards). As a long distance runner at Wayne State under head track coach Frank McBride, Klopfer earned letters in track and field in 1963, 1964, and 1965, and also received letters in 1962, 1963, and 1964 as a member of the cross-country team. He captained the 1964 edition of the Wayne State cross-country squad and manifested his leadership that same year by placing sixth at the Presidents' Athletic Conference Cross-Country Championships.