Biography for
Franziska van Almsick More at IMDbPro »

Date of Birth

5 April 1978, Berlin, Germany

Nickname

Franzi
Gold-Franzi

Height

5' 11¼" (1.81 m)

Mini Biography

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.

IMDb Mini Biography By: fippi2000

Trivia

Tries to win her first gold medal at the 2004 Olympics in Athens.

Was called "Franzi Van Speck" ("Speck" is German for bacon) after her disappointing results at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.

Participated at 4 Olympics from 1992 to 2004, but never won a gold medal.

Expecting her first child with entrepreneur Jürgen B. Harder (June 2006).

Gave birth to her son Hugo on 7 January 2007.

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