Nowaday we know our Karl Rimböck more as the strict Jury President or Official, but Charly, as he is called among friends, is one of the most long-lived and active personalities in the weightlifting world. Born in Memmingen on the 26 th of August 1950, he began his weightlifting career in 1964 with a third place at the German Youth Championships. At that time there was still the three-styles competition and in 1971 he managed 142.5 kg in the snatch, 140 kg in the press and 170 kg in the clean and jerk.
Charly was active at four clubs, TV Memmingen, Eichenauer SV, SV Donaueschingen and ESV München Neuaubing, but had the longer activity at Donaueschingen. He was a regular lifter in the first Bundesliga for 15 years.
He has also registered some international participations for the German Weightlifting Federation BVDG such as the EU Cup, Baltic Cup and Donau Cup, with honorable results.
After his active lifting days, he turned to refereeing. And here, the road took him from district license to state, federal and International IWF Cat 1 referee license, achieved in 1990.
At the same time, he was President of the Technical Officials in Bavaria. In 1992, he was elected by the Bundestag of the BVDG as responsible for technology and refereeing with specific activities of Chairman of the National Technical Committee. He held this position until 21 September 2024.
With the IWF Cat 1 achievement and his position on the board of the BVDG, an incredible international refereeing career began for him. Since 1991 he has been active as a referee, jury member and jury president at a wide variety of competitions, either at EWF or IWF level.
He was called up to seven Olympic Games and participated tirelessly in high-level competitions on all continents.
Charly was present at all the important competitions where he was not only an official, but even a mentor or guide for many other referees. Due to his competence, commitment and involvement, he was elected to the Technical Committees of EWF and IWF.
On the occasion of the Congress of the German Weightlifting Federation on September 21, 2024, Karl Rimböck handed over the baton, wishing good luck to the new generation. The BVDG leadership, head by President Florian Sperl showed their gratitude and thanked Mr. Rimböck for all the national and international activity for the development of weightlifting.
It can rightly be said:
“His life meant refereeing and his commitment and dedication to weightlifting.
Let’s hope to see Charly on duty again soon!