Raúl Spank
A German high jumper whose powerful spring carried him to the pinnacle of European athletics, claiming continental gold.
Born 1988 (age 38)·German high jumper·Birthday: July 13·Millennials
Biography
Raúl Spank represented a new generation of German high jumpers, specializing in an event that demands both explosive power and technical finesse. His career was built on remarkable consistency at the highest level of European competition. Spank's breakthrough moment arrived at the 2012 European Athletics Championships in Helsinki, where he cleared 2.31 meters to seize the gold medal, a career-defining victory. He was a fixture in German teams for major championships, including the World Championships and the Olympic Games, often finishing among the top contenders. His rivalry with fellow German jumpers like Mateusz Przybylko kept the domestic scene competitive. While an Olympic medal remained elusive, Spank's European title cemented his status as one of Germany's most successful field athletes of his era, known for his focused demeanor and reliable performances on the big stage.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Raúl was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Raúl Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Raúl's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the gold medal in the high jump at the 2012 European Athletics Championships in Helsinki.
- Represented Germany at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London.
- Secured multiple German national championships in the high jump throughout his career.
- Achieved a personal best jump of 2.33 meters, set in 2009.
Did You Know?
His first name, Raúl, is of Spanish origin, which is uncommon for a German athlete.
He competed for the sports club SC DHfK Leipzig throughout his professional career.
He studied sports science while competing as a professional athlete.
He announced his retirement from competitive athletics in 2021.
“The bar is a question you ask your body, and the jump is the answer.”
