Hans FASSNACHT

Swimmer Hans Faßnacht was elected West German’s Sportsman of the Year from 1969-71. Although a world class swimmer, he never showed his best at the Olympic Games. Faßnacht attended Long Beach State University in 1969 but struggled there. In 1968 at Mexico City he qualified for three finals, but finished only seventh in the 400 freestyle event (over 1,500 he was eliminated in the heats as the best non-qualifier), while in both freestyle relays he came in sixth.

Four years later in München he again was the best non-qualifier for the final over 1,500 metres and was also eliminated in the 400 freestyle heats. Nevertheless he finished fifth in the 200 butterly and sixth again with the 4x100 freestyle relay. His greatest moment was then the silver medal with the 4x200 relay together with Klaus Steinbach, Werner Lampe and Hans-Günther Vosseler. This medal nevertheless could not hide his disappointment at not winning an individual Olympic medal.

During his active career Faßnacht won 12 West German titles and five US titles. He also set 45 German records, 22 European ones and two world records (1969: 400 freestyle in 4:04.0; 1971: 200 butterfly in 2:03.3). In 1970 he earned three golds and three silvers at the European Championships.

Faßnacht later immigrated to France and then to the USA in the 1980s to be employed by swimwear companies as a marketing manager. In 1992 he was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame. In 1970 he had been awarded the Silver Bay Leaf, Germany’s highest sports award.