The absolute high point of Barthel's career was the 1952 Summer Olympics, where he surprised the crowd and himself by winning the 1500 m with a very strong finish.
Titik tertinggi karier Barthel adalah Olimpiade Musim Panas 1952, dimana dia mengejutkan kerumunan dan dirinya sendiri setelah memenangkan perlombaan 1500 m.