At the end of life

Walter Rutt subsequently tried his hand at radio reporting and worked briefly as a representative for the Berlin bicycle shop Machnow. He supplemented his meager pension by giving cycling lessons. He may have earned additional income by making handmade miniature bicycles.

Until old age, he showered exclusively with cold water and did 100 squats every day.

For him, it was a matter of course to pass on his extensive expertise. In “Cycling,” the official organ of the German Cycling Federation, he wrote countless articles on training, tactics, and healthy living in his column “This is Walter Rutt speaking”.

John Stol and Walter Rutt
Guests of honor at the 50th Berlin Six Day Race in 1962

A life told on paper

In 1957, his 23-part autobiography was published in “Cycling” under the title: “Interesting anecdotes and episodes from my sporting life.” It concluded with the words:

"Was this the end? No! Because there were still many championship races for me to attend, many six-day races where I could be in spirit among my comrades. There would still be gatherings and meetings of all kinds where my advice was sought, the advice of the old man whose hair had turned as white in the struggle for success as mine is now. And above all, there would be young people waiting for me, whom I could support with advice and assistance, for the benefit of physical exercise and a better life in the future."

The senior citizen had discovered a new hobby in collecting stones, and he was always enthusiastic about a game of chess. In public, he was almost exclusively seen in the company of other elderly people and occasionally at an ash track race or in the sports palace. He was delighted when people approached him, asked for his opinion, and allowed him to share his wealth of experience.

He made his last major appearance in January 1962. Together with his old teammate John Stol, he was a guest of honor at the 50th Berlin Six-Day Race, the early editions of which the two had dominated.

On June 23, 1964, at 2:00 p.m., Walter Rutt suffered a heart attack in his apartment in Steglitz. The emergency doctor who was called immediately could only confirm his death.

Only a few close friends attended the funeral. The grave of the once-celebrated athlete was soon forgotten and eventually overgrown with greenery.