Franziska van Almsick

Franziska Van Almsick grew up in Berlin, where she became one of the biggest and youngest swimming talents of the former GDR. In 1992, she was the youngest participant of the then reunited German team and sensationally won a silver and a bronze medal. In 1994, she won the 200 metres freestyle World Championships in Rome. At that time, she became one of Germany`s most popular athletes and celebreties. After several disappointing years, where she couldn't fulfil the public's expectations, she managed a very successful comeback with 5 titles at the 2002 European Championships in Berlin. Over 200 metres freestyle, she broke her own world record in 1:56,64 seconds.