Heike MEISSNER

Heike Meißner participated in three consecutive Olympic Games from 1992-2000 as a 400 hurdler. In 1996 she finished fifth, while she reached the semifinals in 1992 and in 2000. In 1992, she also came in sixth with the 4x400 relay. Meißner competed at five World Championships – 1991, 1993, 1995, 2001 and 2003. She reached the finals in 1991 (seventh), 1995 (fourth) and 2003 (seventh), and made the 4x400 relay finals in 1993 (fifth). She was more successful at the European Championships, winning silver in 2002, and bronze with the relay in 1994. She also competed internationally one season in the 800, and finished sixth at the 1998 European Championships. Meißner started at several World Cups (1994, 1998, 2002), and European Cups (1991, 1994-95, 1998, 2001, 2003).

Domestically Meißner was the last East German Champion in 1990 and after German reunification won German titles in 1991-92, 1994-95, and 2001-02 in the 400 hurdles. Her collection was completed by three more 800 indoor titles (1995, 1997-98), and the 1994 indoor 400 hurdles one, adding 4x400 relay titles in 1999 and 2000. Meißner retired from professional athletics at the end of 2003 and worked as a teacher.

Personal Bests: 400 – 52.36 (1994); 400H – 54.03 (1996).