Famous German Swimmers

Roland Matthes was a highly accomplished German swimmer known for his exceptional backstroke skills. He achieved remarkable success between 1967 and 1974, winning every backstroke competition he entered during this period. Matthes secured numerous European and world championships, breaking multiple records in backstroke, butterfly, and medley events. He was trained by Marlies Grohe and left an enduring legacy in the world of swimming as one of the most successful backstroke swimmers in history.

Britta Steffen is a retired German competitive swimmer known for her expertise in freestyle sprint events. She achieved great success in her career, winning two gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Steffen's strong performances and dedication to her sport made her a respected figure in the swimming world. Her achievements at the highest level of competition solidified her reputation as one of Germany's most accomplished swimmers. Since retiring from professional swimming, Steffen continues to inspire aspiring athletes with her legacy of excellence.

Kristin Otto is a former German swimmer who achieved great success in her career. She made history by winning six gold medals at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games, becoming the first woman to do so. Otto was an Olympic, World, and European champion multiple times. She held world records in the 100m and 200m freestyle events in long course swimming. Additionally, Otto was the first woman to swim the short course 100m backstroke in under a minute at an international meet in 1983.

Kornelia Ender is a former East German swimmer known for her impressive achievements in the sport. Despite controversy surrounding the use of steroids by the East German team doctors during her career, Ender made history by winning four gold medals in world record times at the 1976 Summer Olympics. She continued to break world records in individual events and addressed suspicions about her physical condition in later years. Ender's career was marked by both success and controversy, showcasing her talent and the challenges she faced in the competitive swimming world.

Elena Krawzow is a highly accomplished German Paralympic swimmer known for her expertise in breaststroke and freestyle events. Despite facing the challenge of macular degeneration and having only 3% vision, she has displayed remarkable determination and skill in the world of competitive swimming. Krawzow's professional life is characterized by her inspiring performances in international competitions, where she consistently showcases her talent, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the sport. Her achievements serve as a testament to her exceptional abilities and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Michael Groß, known as Michael Gross in English, is a former competitive swimmer from Germany. Standing at 201 centimetres tall, he earned the nickname "The Albatross" for his remarkable 2.13-meter arm span. Representing West Germany, Gross achieved significant success in swimming, securing three Olympic gold medals and multiple World Championship titles between 1982 and 1991. He excelled in freestyle and butterfly events, leaving a lasting impact on the world of competitive swimming with his exceptional abilities and achievements.

Mark Warnecke is a retired German breaststroke swimmer known for his remarkable achievements in international competitions. He made history by winning the world title in the 50m breaststroke at the 2005 World Aquatics Championships, becoming the oldest swimming world champion in over three decades. Throughout his career, Warnecke represented Germany in four consecutive Summer Olympics, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport. His bronze medal win in the 100m breaststroke at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics further solidified his reputation as a top-tier swimmer.

Christiane Reppe is a highly accomplished German athlete in both swimming and cycling. She has represented her country at three Summer Paralympic Games, with her most successful performance being at the 2004 Athens Games where she secured two bronze medals in the 100m and 400m freestyle S9 events. In addition to her success in swimming, Reppe is a two-time UCI Para-cycling World Champion as a handcyclist. Her dedication to both sports showcases her exceptional talent and determination in the world of para-athletics.

Franziska van Almsick is a retired German swimmer known for her remarkable achievements in the sport. She was a former world record holder and achieved great success as a multiple World and European champion in both Long and Short Course Championships. Throughout her professional career, van Almsick displayed exceptional talent and dedication, leaving a lasting impact on the world of swimming. Her accomplishments have solidified her legacy as one of the most prominent figures in German swimming history.

Roswitha Krause is a retired German athlete who achieved success in both freestyle swimming and team handball. She made history by becoming the first woman to win Summer Olympic medals in two different sports. Krause won a silver medal in the 4×100 m freestyle relay at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico. Her versatility and skill in multiple sports showcased her athletic prowess and determination to excel at the highest level of competition. Krause's achievements have solidified her legacy as a talented and accomplished athlete.

Hannah Stockbauer is a former professional swimmer from Germany who achieved great success in her career. She was a World Champion, Olympic medalist, and held national records in swimming. Stockbauer was named Female Swimmer of the Year in 2003 by Swimming World Magazine after winning multiple freestyle events at the World Championships. She also won medals at the 2004 Olympics as part of the German relay team. Stockbauer retired from competitive swimming in 2005 after a successful career.

Ute Geweniger, an accomplished former East German swimmer, was a dominant force in breaststroke and medley swimming during the 1980s. She secured two Olympic gold medals at the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow and set numerous world records. Recognized as World Swimmer of the Year in 1983, Geweniger also excelled at European Championships, claiming multiple gold medals and setting more world records. Her career was cut short by the 1984 Olympic boycott, but her impact on the sport remains significant.

Ulrike Tauber is a retired professional swimmer from East Germany known for her achievements in medley and butterfly events. She won a gold medal in the 400m individual medley and a silver medal in the 200m butterfly at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal. Throughout the 1970s, Tauber set multiple world records in the 200m and 200m individual medley events, showcasing her exceptional talent and skill in the sport of swimming at the international level.

Claudia Hengst is a former German Paralympic athlete known for her remarkable achievements in the Summer Paralympics. Throughout her career, she won a total of 25 medals, including an impressive 13 gold medals. Her outstanding performance and dedication to her sport led to her induction into the Paralympic Hall of Fame in 2008. Hengst's legacy in the world of Paralympic sports is characterized by her exceptional talent, numerous victories, and enduring impact on the athletic community.