Anke BAIER-LOEF

Originally a track and field athlete and roller skier, Anke Baier switched to speed skating with great success. After being runner-up twice, she won the World Junior Championships in 1991. She turned out to be a top class 1,000 m racer, earning several podium spots during World Cup races from 1991 through 1994 and the second place in the 1,000 m World Cup 1993 season. She didn't bring that form to the Olympic season however, failing to make the podium until the Games. At Hamar, she was the closest skater to the dominant Bonnie Blair, finishing second in 1:20.12. It would remain the top performance of her career. Marrying Dutch skater Arie Loef in 1997, she retired after the Nagano Olympics with two German sprint titles under her belt (1993, 1998), along with 18 national championship medals. She has since completed her business management studies and works as a financial analyst in the Netherlands.

Personal Bests: 500 – 39.49 (1998); 1000 – 1:18.20 (1998); 1500 – 2:05.20 (1994); 3000 – 4:28.28 (1981).