Gudrun WEGNER

Gudrun Wegner was a long-distance swimmer in the freestyle and individual medley events. She first appeared on the scene at the 1972 München Olympics, where she won a bronze medal in the 400 m freestyle, came in fifth in the 800 free, and was eliminated in the heats of the 200 metres. One year later at the Belgrade Worlds Wegner took gold in the 400 IM, setting a world record, becoming the first woman to break the 5-minute barrier with 4:57.51, also adding a bronze in the 800 freestyle. At the 1974 Wien (Vienna) Europeans she earned silver in the 400 m medley and again won bronze in the 800.

Wegner won four East German titles – in 1971 in the 400 m freestyle, in the 1972 and 1973 800 free, and in the 1973 400 IM. She later became a graduated sports teacher and worked as a swimming coach. She died only a few weeks before her 50th birthday, from cancer.