Race walker Dieter Lindner was educated as a locksmith, but eventually worked as a sports teacher and coach. After German reunification he worked for his homeclub SC Chemie Halle as a race walking coach. In his three consecutive Olympic appearances starting for the mixed German team he was disqualified at the 1956 Melbourne Games, finished an unfortunate fourth 1960 in Roma, and eventually won a silver medal in Tokyo 1964, all over 20 km. He had a similar development at the European Championships: disqualified in 1958, sixth in 1962 and gold medal in 1966. Lindner won three East German titles, adding six runner-ups. His son Bernhard also became a nationally successful race walker.

Personal Best: 20kmW – 1-26:59 (1968).