The German was part of the 4 x 7.5 kilometre relay team which came second at the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid, and also won three World Championship gold medals and three bronzes during his fine career.

In 1979 he was crowned as the World Cup Total Score champion and he became a successful coach after retirement, working with the national teams of China and Belarus as well as his native Germany.

One of his biggest success stories was Germany's quadruple Olympic champion Ricco Groß, now the coach of the Russian men's squad.

He also helped guide Belarus' Darya Domracheva to three Olympic gold medals and her compatriot Nadezhda Skardino to individual bronze at Sochi 2014.

"He was our superman, our coach, psychologist, teacher and friend at the same time," said Skardino.

"For me, he was like a king of biathlon.

"I'm very grateful for everything he has taught me.

"Above all, he taught me to love life and biathlon at the same time.

"He will always remain in my heart and that of the other girls.

I can only say 'thank you, Klaus'.

"Thank you for all the time you have been with us."

Siebert passed away just four days before his 61st birthday.