Andrea Pollack

Bundesarchiv Bild 183-S0709-0009, Andrea Pollack

Andrea Pollack (born 8 May 1961 in Schwerin, East Germany – died 13 March 2019) was a German swimmer who competed for East Germany in the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal and the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow. Over her competitive career, Pollack won three Olympic gold medals and two silver medals, making her one of the most successful swimmers of her time.

Early Life and Career

Andrea Pollack was born in Schwerin, East Germany. She began swimming at a young age and quickly rose through the ranks of East German swimmers, becoming a member of the national team in the mid-1970s. Pollack's early success in international competitions showcased her talent and set the stage for her Olympic achievements.

Olympic Success

At the 1976 Summer Olympics, Pollack, then only 15 years old, won gold medals in the 200-meter butterfly and the 4x100-meter medley relay. She also secured a silver medal in the 100-meter butterfly. Her performance was a significant contribution to East Germany's dominant showing in swimming during the Montreal Olympics.

Four years later, at the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow, Pollack continued her success by winning another gold in the 4x100-meter medley relay and a silver in the 200-meter butterfly. Her achievements at these Games solidified her status as one of the top swimmers in the world.

Career After Swimming

After retiring from competitive swimming, Pollack remained involved in the sport, taking on roles such as coaching and sports administration. Her contributions to swimming extended beyond her athletic achievements, as she worked to develop the next generation of swimmers.

Controversy

Andrea Pollack's career, like many of her East German teammates, was later overshadowed by the East German doping scandal. Investigations revealed that East Germany had engaged in a state-sponsored doping program, and many athletes, including swimmers, were given performance-enhancing drugs without their knowledge. Pollack was among those implicated in the scandal, casting a shadow over her Olympic accomplishments.

Death

Andrea Pollack passed away on 13 March 2019 after a battle with cancer. Her death was mourned by the swimming community and those who remembered her Olympic legacy.

Legacy

Despite the controversy surrounding her career, Andrea Pollack's achievements in the pool during the 1970s and 1980s remain a significant part of Olympic history. Her talent and success at a young age inspired many young swimmers, and her later work in coaching and administration contributed to the development of the sport.