Mike Harker

Last year at Tegelberg during the World Championship, we were honoured to have a special guest. Mike Harker (USA) was the first hang glider pilot who ever flew from Zugspitze, the highest mountain in Germany. With his flight in the early seventies, he started the sport and got quite popular in Germany.
He went for one last flight last year before retiring - he had a big smile in his face after landing right at the bottom of the castle of Neuschwanstein. I felt privileged that he enjoyed spending time with us, and due to the bad weather, many of us had the chance to talk to Mike. Both Bavarian TV and ZDF made a film about his last flight.
Sadly I have to inform you that Mike had suffered a stroke on April 1st and died at the age of 63. He seemed much younger in mind, way too young to leave! We will miss you, legend!