Born: 1969 (Quedlinburg, Saxony-Anhalt, East Germany)
Biography:
Dagmar Hase, born on December 22, 1969, in Quedlinburg, Saxony-Anhalt, East Germany, is a former German swimmer known for her exceptional skills in freestyle and backstroke. Throughout her career, she achieved remarkable success, winning seven Olympic medals, including a gold in the 400-meter freestyle at the 1992 Summer Olympics. Hase’s victory over American swimmer Janet Evans in the 400-meter freestyle at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics stands as Evans’s only loss in the 400- or 800-meter freestyle between 1986 and 1994. Additionally, Hase defeated Hungary’s Krisztina Egerszegi, widely regarded as the greatest backstroker ever, in the 200-meter backstroke at the 1989 European Aquatics Championships. This defeat was Egerszegi’s only loss in the 200-meter backstroke from 1987 until her retirement in 1996, as well as her only defeat in any backstroke event from 1989 to 1994.
Known for her versatility, Dagmar Hase accomplished significant victories in various events, earning at least one Olympic medal and multiple other major event medals in each of the 200-meter freestyle, 400-meter freestyle, 800-meter freestyle, and 200-meter backstroke. Her exceptional performances at some of the world’s most prestigious swimming competitions solidified her reputation as a remarkable athlete in the swimming world.
Dagmar Hase’s record in the Olympic Games further demonstrates her skill and dedication. At the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, she clinched the gold medal in the 400-meter freestyle and secured silver medals in the 200-meter backstroke and the 4×100 medley relay. She continued to shine at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, winning silver medals in the 400-meter freestyle, 800-meter freestyle, and 4×200-meter freestyle events, and a bronze medal in the 200-meter freestyle event.
Her success extended beyond the Olympic Games, as she also attained significant victories in several World Championships events. In the 1991 World Championships, she won gold in the 4×200-meter freestyle relay. At the 1994 World Championships, she earned a silver medal in the 200-meter backstroke. In the 1998 World Championships, she claimed gold in the 4×200-meter freestyle relay, silver in the 200-meter backstroke, and bronze in the 400-meter freestyle.
She also excelled in the shorter course format, winning silver medals in the 200-meter backstroke and the 4×100-meter freestyle relay at the 1995 World Championships (25m). Furthermore, her success extended to the European Championships, where she secured numerous medals. Notable victories include gold in the 400-meter freestyle and the 4×200-meter freestyle relay at the 1993 European Championships and gold in the 4×200-meter freestyle relay at the 1995 and 1997 European Championships.
Dagmar Hase’s passion for swimming and her relentless pursuit of excellence propelled her to the pinnacle of her sport. Her victories against top swimmers like Janet Evans and Krisztina Egerszegi showcased her exceptional talent and marked her as one of the era’s greatest swimmers. She became an inspiration for aspiring athletes, especially in the field of women’s swimming, and her contributions to women’s sports are undeniable.
Awards:
– 1992 Olympic Games: Gold (400m freestyle), Silver (200m backstroke, 4×100 medley relay)
– 1996 Olympic Games: Silver (400m freestyle, 800m freestyle, 4x200m freestyle), Bronze (200m freestyle)
– 1991 World Championships: Gold (4x200m freestyle)
– 1994 World Championships: Silver (200m backstroke)
– 1998 World Championships: Gold (4x200m freestyle), Silver (200m backstroke), Bronze (400m freestyle)
– 1995 World Championships (25m): Silver (200m backstroke, 4x100m freestyle)
– 1991 European Championships: Silver (4x100m medley, 4x100m freestyle, 4x200m freestyle), Bronze (100m backstroke, 200m backstroke)
– 1993 European Championships: Gold (400m freestyle, 4x200m freestyle)
– 1995 European Championships: Gold (4x200m freestyle), Silver (200m backstroke)
– 1997 European Championships: Gold (400m freestyle, 4x200m freestyle)
– German National Championships: 1-50m backstroke, 2-100m backstroke, 2-200m backstroke, 4-400m freestyle