First held in 1977, the meeting began as a competition between mainly East German athletes.

As a result, the majority of records and medals won by East German athletes still stand.

German athletes tried to take part in the 1948 games but the Allies did not let this happen.

East German athletes were beginning to achieve their now-legendary successes in international sport.

Despite a total absence of 16 years since 1912, German athletes were ranked 2nd.

Kilius was voted the German female athlete of the year in 1959.

Six German athletes had 10 entries in nine athletics events, not winning any medals.

Both years, she was the top ranked German athlete in her event.

There have been so many changes for the former East German athletes.

West German athletes won a total of seven medals.