Cycling at the 1988 Seoul Summer Games:

In 1985-87, all three medalists at the World Championships had been from East Germany. Lutz Heßlich, gold medalist in the 1980 sprint, was World Champion in 1985 and 1987 and runner-up in 1986. With only starter allowed per nation, Heßlich was chosen to represent East Germany. His victory was an easy one, given that his strongest competitors – his teammates – could not compete. Heßlich had the fastest qualifying time over 200 metres and then won eight consecutive races to win the gold medal. Without the 1984 Soviet-led boycott, this would likely have been a third consecutive gold medal for Heßlich.