Konrad Adenauer to a central position in Europe, presiding over the German Economic Miracle. He was a driving force behind West Germany becoming the first German state to re-establish a national military (the "Bundeswehr") in 1955. He came to terms with France, which made possible the economic unification of Western Europe. Adenauer opposed rival East Germany and made his nation a member of NATO and a firm ally of the United States. Adenauer, who was Chancellor until age 87, was dubbed "Der Alte" ("the elder"). British politician and historian Roy Jenkins says he was "the oldest statesman ever to function in elected
West Germany at the 1976 Winter Paralympics won three gold medals in Women's Alpine Combination IV B, Women's Giant Slalom IV B and Women's Slalom IV B. Annemie Schneider also won three gold medals in Women's Alpine Combination IB, Women's Giant Slalom I and Women's Slalom I. Other medalists included Traudl Weber, who won three silver medal; Hans Strasser who won one gold, one silver and one bronze; Richard Prager who won two silver medals; Ulli Helmbold who won one gold; and Peter Braun who won one bronze. West Germany at the 1976 Winter Paralympics The West Germany competed at the 1976 Winter Paralympics in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden