Gunda NIEMANN-STIRNEMANN

Gunda Niemann-Stirnemann won eight Olympic medals and three golds at the Olympics Winter Games of 1992, 1994, and 1998, equalling the marks of fellow German Karin Kania-Enke. Primarily a distance skater, her golds came at 3,000 meters in 1992 and 1998 and at 5,000 meters in 1992. At the World All-Around championships, Niemann-Stirnemann won seven championships – 1991-1993, and 1995-1998, breaking Kania-Enke's record of five titles. She also won the World Cup title at 1,500 meters in 1991-1993 and 1995-1998, and at distances (3K and 5K) in 1992-1996 and 1998. She set 14 world records – six at 3,000 meters; four at 5,000 meters; and four in the combined all-around.

Personal Bests: 500 – 40.34 (1999); 1000 – 1:20.57 (2001); 1500 – 1:55.62 (2001); 3000 – 4:00.26 (2001); 5000 – 6:52.44 (2001).