Born: 1961 (Schwerin, East Germany)
Died: 2019
Andrea Pollack (later Pinske; 8 May 1961 – 13 March 2019) was a butterfly swimmer from East Germany who won three Olympic gold medals. Born in 1961 in Schwerin, Pollack became one of the most successful swimmers of her time.
Pollack began her swimming career as a member of SC Dynamo Berlin, which was known for producing many talented athletes during the era of East Germany. At the age of fifteen, she participated in her first Olympic Games in Montreal in 1976. It was in Montreal that she made a significant impact on the swimming world. She won two gold medals, displaying her remarkable talent and skills in the butterfly stroke. Pollack emerged victorious in the individual 200m butterfly event and also contributed to the success of the women’s relay team in the 4x100m medley. Additionally, she collected two silver medals, further solidifying her position as a force to be reckoned with in the swimming world.
Pollack’s success continued in the following years. In the 1980 Moscow Olympics, she achieved further glory by winning a gold medal in the 4x100m medley relay and a silver medal in the 100m butterfly. These victories showcased her consistency and determination in maintaining her position as a top swimmer.
Throughout her career, Pollack not only achieved success on the Olympic stage but also made significant contributions to the record books. In 1978, she twice broke the world record in the women’s 200m butterfly, further cementing her place as one of the greatest swimmers of her generation.
However, it was not until 1998 that the full extent of the challenges Pollack faced became known. Alongside several former East German swimmers, including Pollack, accusations of systematic doping by coaches and physicians came to light. These allegations shed light on the immense pressure and unethical practices that many athletes endured during this time.
Beyond her achievements in the pool, Pollack’s personal life also deserves recognition. She married Norbert Pinske, a cyclist, and together they had a son named Michael Pinske, who later participated in the 2008 Summer Olympics as a judoka.
Andrea Pollack’s impact on the world of swimming cannot be understated. Her outstanding performances, multiple Olympic gold medals, world records, and her role in exposing the dark side of sports have solidified her place in swimming history. Her legacy serves as a reminder of the strength, resilience, and commitment that athletes possess, even in the face of adversity. Andrea Pollack’s contributions to women’s swimming and her courage in speaking out against doping will always be remembered.
Awards:
– Olympic Games:
– 1976 Montreal: Gold – 200m Butterfly
– 1976 Montreal: Gold – 4x100m Medley Relay
– 1980 Moscow: Gold – 4x100m Medley Relay
– 1976 Montreal: Silver – 100m Butterfly
– 1976 Montreal: Silver – 4x100m Freestyle Relay