Germany is known for its strong tradition in the sport of skating. The country has produced some of the world’s most renowned skaters, including Olympic gold medalists, world champions, and European champions.
From figure skating stars to speed skaters, Germany has a long and proud history of skating excellence. Here we take a look at some of the best skating players ever to come out of Germany.
1. Franziska Schenk
Franziska Schenk is a former German speed skater who specialized in sprint distances. Her career highlight was at the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway, where she won a bronze medal in the 500-meter event at Vikingskipet in Hamar.
This was an incredible achievement for her and for Germany, as she was the first female German speed skater to win a medal in the Olympics. Schenk was a formidable competitor in this event, finishing in the top three in five of her six Olympic races.
Her speed and agility on the ice were remarkable, and she quickly became one of the top speed skaters in the world.
Her success at the Olympics was a major milestone for German speed skating, and it paved the way for future generations of skaters to continue to excel in this sport.
2. Anni Friesinger-Postma
Anna Christine Friesinger-Postma is a former German speed skater. She is the daughter of both Georg Friesinger, from Germany, and Janina Korowicka, from Poland. They were both skaters, with Janina competing in the 1976 Winter Olympics for the Polish team.
Anna has two siblings, her brother Jan is also a speed skater, and her sister Agnes was a former speed skater. Anna’s parents have a long history in the sport, and it seems to have been passed down to their children as well.
Anna’s career was highly successful, and she was able to make a name for herself in the sport. She is now a retired skater, but her legacy lives on.
3. Claudia Pechstein
Claudia Pechstein is an iconic German speed skater who has achieved remarkable success in her career. She is the most successful Olympic speed skater of all time, male or female, with a total of nine Olympic medals – five gold, two silver, and two bronze.
Her five gold medals make her the most successful German Winter Olympian ever. Pechstein has made history by becoming the first female speed skater to win five Olympic gold medals, and she continues to be an inspiration for athletes around the world.
She is a living legend of the sport and a true role model for aspiring athletes.
4. Gunda Niemann-Stirnemann
Gunda Niemann-Stirnemann is a German speed skater who has achieved remarkable success in the Olympic Games. She is a three-time Olympic gold medalist, having won the 3000 meters in 1992 and 1998 and the 5000 meters in 1992.
This makes her one of the most decorated speed skaters in Olympic history, as she has won a total of eight Olympic medals. Niemann-Stirnemann’s achievements have been widely celebrated in her native Germany.
Her gold medal in the 3000 meters in 1998 was particularly memorable, as she became the first female speed skater to defend an Olympic title.
This feat was made even more impressive by the fact that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer only a few years prior. Niemann-Stirnemann’s success has also been recognized internationally, having been inducted into the International Skating Union’s Hall of Fame in 2019.
She is also a member of the German Olympic Hall of Fame and the World Speedway Hall of Fame. In addition, Niemann-Stirnemann has made significant contributions to the sport of speed skating.
She served as the president of the International Skating Union from 2007 to 2015, where she helped to promote equality and fairness in the sport.
She was also the first woman to be appointed to the International Olympic Committee’s Athletes’ Commission. Niemann-Stirnemann is a true pioneer in the sport of speed skating and has left a lasting legacy.
Her remarkable success in the Olympics and her work to promote the sport have made her an inspiration to athletes all over the world.
5. Daniela Anschütz-Thoms
Daniela Anschütz-Thoms is a retired German speed skater. She is well known for her impressive career in the sport, which included gold medals at the 2006 and 2010 Winter Olympics. At the 2006 games, she was a part of the German women’s team pursuit, which won the gold medal.
Four years later in Vancouver, the same team managed to defend their title and once again take home the gold. Aside from her successful sporting career, Daniela is also known for her personal life. She has been married to former speed skater Marian Thoms since December 2005.
The couple has been together ever since, and their relationship has been a great source of support for Daniela as she continues her sporting career. In conclusion, Daniela Anschütz-Thoms is a former German speed skater who has achieved great success in her sport.
She has won multiple Olympic gold medals and has maintained a long-term relationship with her husband, Marian Thoms. Her career and personal life have been a great source of inspiration for many aspiring speed skaters.
6. Jenny Wolf
Jenny Wolf is a former German speed skater who achieved success on the world stage. On 10 March 2007, she was competing at the ISU World Single Distances Speed Skating Championships in Salt Lake City, Utah.
At this event, she broke the world record for the women’s 500 m in her second race, cementing her place in history as a formidable speed skater. This record was previously held by Catriona LeMay Doan of Canada, who set it in 2002.
Wolf’s time of 37.22 seconds was 0.04 seconds faster than that of LeMay Doan. This impressive feat secured her a place on the podium, and she was the first German woman to win the 500 m event at the ISU World Single Distances Speed Skating Championships.
Wolf’s record-breaking performance demonstrated her talent and commitment to the sport, and she will be remembered for her incredible achievement.
7. Nico Ihle
Nico Ihle is a German speed skater who has achieved great success in his sport. He has represented his country at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, competing in the 500 meters and 1000 meters events.
He continued his Olympic career four years later, representing Germany at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. His dedication to his sport is undeniable, and his commitment to excellence is impressive.
He is a role model for aspiring skaters, demonstrating that hard work and dedication can take you far.
8. Andrea Ehrig-Mitscherlich
Andrea Ehrig was an impressive competitive speed skater who hailed from East Germany. During the 1980s, she was one of the most successful long-distance skaters in the world.
Her impressive career included four Olympic appearances and seven Olympic medals, including a gold medal in the 3000 meters at the 1984 Sarajevo Games. This was a remarkable feat, considering the level of competition she faced in her sport.
Ehrig was also a seven-time East German champion in the 1500 meters and twice in the 3000 meters. She also won the 5000 meters at the 1985 World Allround Speed Skating Championships.
Her impressive list of accolades made her one of the most successful speed skaters of her era. Ehrig has since retired from competitive speed skating, but her legacy has lived on.
She has been inducted into the German Sports Hall of Fame and is remembered as one of the greatest long-distance skaters of her time. Her success serves as an inspiration to future generations of speed skaters and athletes alike.
9. Joel Dufter
Joel Dufter is a talented German speed skater who achieved the milestone of representing his country in the 2018 Winter Olympics. During the Olympics, he took part in the men’s 500m event, where he ultimately placed 29th.
Before his Olympic debut, Joel had already made a name for himself in the world of speed skating, having participated in the 2015–16 ISU Speed Skating World Cup. He excelled in the various events he competed in, showcasing his natural talent and hard work.
All of his dedication and effort have ultimately paid off, allowing him to reach the pinnacle of his career and represent Germany in the Winter Olympics.
10. Michelle Uhrig
Michelle Uhrig is a talented German speed skater who has achieved considerable success in her sport. She first made a name for herself in 2018 when she competed in the women’s 1000 meters event at the Winter Olympics.
Despite the immense pressure of such a high-profile event, Michelle put in an impressive performance and showed her potential.
Following her success at the Olympics, Michelle was determined to continue her success and her hard work paid off in November 2019 when she won the German national championship in both the 1000 metres and 1500 metres events.
This was no mean feat and cemented Michelle’s place in the upper echelons of speed skating in Germany. Her achievements make her an inspiration and a great role model for aspiring skaters everywhere.
11. Monika Pflug
Monika Pflug is a German former speed skater who was born in Munich. She is also known by two other names – Monika Holzner-Pflug and Monika Gawenus-Pflug. During her speed skating career, she represented West Germany.
Pflug’s talent for speed skating was identified in 1968, and she quickly rose to success. The following year, she became the junior national champion, showing just how much potential she had. This early success set the stage for Pflug’s illustrious speed skating career.
She went on to compete in many international events and achieved great success in her sport.
12. Maximilian Pfisterer
Maximilian Pfisterer is a German ice dancer who has achieved a great deal of success. Alongside his former partner, Charise Matthaei, he has earned two German national junior championships, as well as a place in the final segment of two World Junior Championships.
Most recently, the pair placed 11th at the 2016 Winter Youth Olympics in Hamar, Norway. Pfisterer and Matthaei have been skating together since 2013, and have consistently achieved top-level performances.
Their skill and dedication to the sport has resulted in impressive successes, including two national championships and a place in the final segment of two World Junior Championships.
In 2016, they achieved a new high when they placed 11th at the Winter Youth Olympics in Hamar, Norway. Maximilian Pfisterer and Charise Matthaei have demonstrated their impressive ice dancing abilities, and their success is a testament to their hard work and dedication.
With two national championships and a place at the 2016 Winter Youth Olympics, it is clear that they are a force to be reckoned with in the world of ice dancing.
13. Christa Luding-Rothenburger
Christa Luding-Rothenburger is an extraordinary athlete who has accomplished an impressive feat that has never been accomplished before. She is a former speed skater and track cyclist who was born in Weißwasser, East Germany.
Luding is the first ever athlete to have competed in both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games and she is the first female to have won a medal in both the Summer and Winter Games. Luding’s remarkable achievement is a testament to her talent and dedication as an athlete.
By competing in both the Summer and Winter Olympics, she has shown that she is capable of competing and succeeding in a variety of environments and disciplines.
Her success is a source of inspiration for athletes all over the world and a reminder that hard work and determination can lead to extraordinary accomplishments.
14. Aljona Savchenko
Aljona Savchenko is an esteemed figure in the world of figure skating. Born in Ukraine, she now competes in pair skating as a German athlete. Throughout her career, she has achieved a remarkable level of success.
One of the most decorated pair skaters today, Savchenko has won a plethora of medals in major competitions. In 2018, she became Olympic Champion for the first time in her career and was awarded a bronze medal in the same competition during both 2006 and 2014.
She has also earned six World Champion titles, four European Champion titles, and five Grand Prix Final champion titles. Savchenko is an inspiration for skaters all over the world for her dedication and talent.
She is a living example of the hard work and commitment that is needed to be successful in figure skating. Her impressive list of accomplishments is a testament to her dedication and perseverance.
15. Bruno Massot
Bruno Massot is a French-German pair skating coach and former competitor. He is a highly decorated athlete in the world of competitive skating, with a number of impressive accolades.
Competing alongside Aljona Savchenko for Germany, Massot is the 2018 Olympic Champion, the 2018 World Champion, a two-time European silver medalist, and a two-time German national champion.
His partnership with Savchenko has been one of the most successful in the history of the sport, with the two of them making an unforgettable mark on the world of competitive skating.
Not only have they been highly decorated competitors, but their partnership has also been an inspiration to many. Massot’s skill and dedication as a coach has led to success for many of his students, and his legacy is sure to last for many years to come.
16. Annette Dytrt
Annette Dytrt is an accomplished figure skater with a career that spans both Germany and the Czech Republic. She began her competitive skating career in Germany, where she was the 2003-06 German National Champion.
During this time, she also competed internationally for the Czech Republic and was crowned the 1999 Czech National Champion. Her impressive skating career highlights her commitment to excellence both on the ice and in her international endeavors.
Despite competing for two countries, she has remained dedicated to the pursuit of her sport and has earned recognition for her successes.
17. Christopher Berneck
Christopher Berneck is a talented figure skater from Germany who has achieved great success in his career. He has won four senior international medals in the sport, making him one of the most decorated skaters in Germany.
His accomplishments have earned him two German national bronze medals, adding to his impressive list of achievements. He is now considered one of the top figure skaters in the country and has received widespread recognition for his accomplishments.
His success is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport, and he is an inspiration to many aspiring skaters.
18. Maxi Herber
Maxi Herber was an exceptional figure skater from Germany who was successful in both pair skating and single skating. She was born in 1916 and began competing at a young age.
Herber earned the distinction of being the youngest figure skating Olympic champion when she won the gold medal in pair skating in 1936 with her partner, Ernst Baier, at the Winter Olympics.
Herber and Baier were the first German pair to win the Olympic gold medal in figure skating and their victory was an inspiration for future German athletes. Herber and Baier’s gold medal performance in the 1936 Winter Olympics was remarkable for its technical proficiency and artistry.
They were known for their intricate lifts and graceful moves that brought the crowd to its feet.
Herber and Baier’s gold medal performance also marked the beginning of a new era in figure skating, as it was the first time that a female skater had been awarded the Olympic gold medal in pair skating. Throughout her career, Herber was a trailblazer for female athletes.
She was a pioneer in the sport, leading the way for other female skaters in the future. Her achievements have been an inspiration to many and her legacy in the sport of figure skating lives on today.
19. Ernst Baier
Ernst Baier was a renowned German figure skater who competed in both pair skating and single skating events. He achieved his greatest success in 1936 when he won the Olympic gold medal in pair skating with partner Maxi Herber.
The duo went on to win multiple World and European championships, cementing their legacy as one of the greatest figure skating partnerships of all time. Throughout his career, Baier skated for Berliner SC and was also successful as a single skater.
He earned multiple titles and accolades in the singles discipline, making him one of the most successful figure skaters of his generation.
20. Gabriele Seyfert
Gabriele “Gaby” Seyfert is a legendary figure skater from Germany. She achieved great success during her career, winning two World Championships and an Olympic silver medal at the 1968 Winter Olympics.
Seyfert was also the first lady to land a triple loop jump in competition, which is an impressive feat that has earned her a spot in the history books. Seyfert began skating at a young age and quickly made a name for herself.
She won her first World Championship title in 1966 at the age of 17. She went on to win her second World Championship title in 1968, the same year she won the Olympic silver medal.
This impressive feat cemented her status as one of the best figure skaters of her time. In addition to her success in competition, Seyfert is also remembered for her pioneering contributions to the sport.
She was the first lady to successfully land a triple loop jump in competition, a feat that was considered impossible at the time.
This historic achievement pushed the boundaries of what was possible in figure skating and opened the door for future advancements. Overall, Gabriele “Gaby” Seyfert was a remarkable figure skater who made a lasting impact on the sport.
Her two World Championships and Olympic silver medal speak to her immense talent and skill, while her historic triple loop jump demonstrated her groundbreaking contributions to the sport. Seyfert will forever be remembered as one of the greatest figure skaters of all time.
21. Ludowika Jakobsson
Ludovika Antje Margareta Jakobsson-Eilers was an incredibly accomplished figure skater. She was German-Finnish and competed in pair skating with her husband Walter Jakobsson.
Together, the couple achieved a remarkable feat when they won the gold medal at the 1920 Summer Olympics. This was a particularly impressive accomplishment since Ludovika was the only German-born athlete.
This victory also made her the oldest female figure skating Olympic champion in history. Throughout her career, Ludovika proved to be a true force to be reckoned with and her accomplishments will be remembered for years to come.
22. Marika Kilius
Marika Kilius is a German former pair skater who achieved significant success in her career. She is most notably a two-time Olympic silver medalist, a two-time World champion, and a six-time European champion, all of which she achieved while skating with Hans-Jürgen Bäumler.
The pair skated together for several years, and their success made them one of the most celebrated pair skaters in the world. Prior to her partnership with Bäumler, Kilius competed with Franz Ningel.
Together, they won the German national championship and placed fourth at the World Championships. Although their partnership was short-lived, it was an important stepping stone for Kilius, who went on to achieve greater success with Bäumler.
Kilius’ career is a testament to her skill and dedication as a pair skater. Her impressive feats have cemented her place in figure skating history, and she will continue to be remembered as one of the greatest pair skaters of all time.
23. Nicole Schott
Nicole Schott is a German figure skater who has achieved remarkable success in her field. She is the proud winner of the 2016 CS Warsaw Cup, the 2017 CS Tallinn Trophy bronze medalist, a two-time NRW Trophy champion, and a seven-time German national champion.
Her impressive skating career has earned her several top ten finishes at two World and four European Championships. Her accomplishments have earned her recognition as a top figure skater in the world.
Her dedication to the sport and her hard work have paid off as she continues to excel in her career.
24. Nolan Seegert
Nolan Seegert is a retired German pair skater who achieved remarkable success in the sport during his career.
Along with his partner Minerva Fabienne Hase, he won many prestigious awards including the 2019 Rostelecom Cup bronze medal, 2021 CS Nebelhorn Trophy championship, and a three-time German national champion title.
Seegert and Hase were also selected to represent Germany in the 2022 Winter Olympics. Throughout his career, Seegert was consistently successful in his performances, setting records and inspiring many younger athletes in the process.
His hard work and dedication to the sport paid off, as he and his partner were awarded medals and accolades at many international competitions. Seegert’s accomplishments serve as a testament to the strength of German figure skating and his commitment to the sport.
He is without a doubt one of the most successful German figure skaters of all time.
25. Anna Hübler
Anna “Annie” Hübler was a German figure skater who was born in Munich. She is best known for her success at the Olympic and World Championships with her skating partner Heinrich Burger.
Together, they achieved the highest level of success in pairs figure skating, becoming the first World and Olympic Champions. Hübler and Burger began skating together in 1938 and soon after won the German National Championships.
They went on to win the German National Championships four times in total and attained multiple gold medals at the European Championships between 1939 and 1944.
In 1947, they were crowned World Champions, becoming the first pair to win the title. The following year, Hübler and Burger achieved their biggest success when they skated to victory at the 1948 Winter Olympics in St. Moritz.
They were the first pair to ever win the Olympic gold medal in figure skating and remain the only German team to have done so Hübler and Burger retired from competitive skating shortly after their Olympic success in 1948.
However, they remained active in the sport and continued to perform professionally.
They received international recognition for their talent and influence in the figure skating world. Anna “Annie” Hübler was a pioneer of the sport of figure skating and an inspiration for many aspiring skaters of the time.
Her legacy as an Olympic and world champion will forever be remembered.
26. Nikita Starostin
Nikita Maximovich Starostin is a talented figure skater who has both Russian and German roots. He was born in Russia but has since developed a strong connection to Germany. As a result, he has come to represent Germany on the international stage as a figure skater.
Starostin’s success in the sport has been impressive, as he has competed in several international competitions and has even won medals.
He has been able to draw on both his Russian and German heritage to build a successful career in figure skating, and this is something that has been celebrated by both countries.
His success is a testament to the power of combining different cultures and backgrounds in order to achieve success.
27. Robin Szolkowy
Robin Szolkowy is a retired German pair skater who achieved tremendous success with his partner Aliona Savchenko. They have won numerous medals and titles, including two Olympic bronze medals at the 2010 and 2014 Olympics and five World Championships.
They have also won four European Championships, four Grand Prix Final Championships, and eight German National Championships. These accomplishments are a testament to the skill and hard work of both athletes.
Szolkowy and Savchenko have not only achieved success in competitions but in the hearts of fans around the world who have watched them for years. Their performances have been nothing short of inspiring.
Szolkowy and Savchenko have left an indelible mark on the world of ice skating and will always be remembered as one of the greatest pairs of all time.
28. Paul Fentz
Paul Fentz is an accomplished figure skater from Germany. He has achieved great success in his career, winning four senior international medals and becoming a four-time German national champion.
His accomplishments are even more impressive when considering that he has competed in the final segment of eight International Skating Union (ISU) Championships. Paul’s impressive career has led to him becoming a retired figure skater.
During his active years, he was a formidable competitor, consistently ranking among the best skaters in the world. His four senior international medals won at various competitions are a testament to his skill and dedication.
Additionally, his four German national championships demonstrate his commitment to excellence in figure skating. To reach the pinnacle of his career, Paul competed in the final segment of eight ISU Championships.
This is a tremendous feat, as the ISU Championships are the most prestigious figure skating competitions in the world.
Paul’s success in these competitions is a true testament to his dedication to the sport and his ability to perform at the highest level. Paul Fentz’s impressive career is a testament to his skill and commitment to the sport of figure skating.
His four senior international medals, four German national championships, and eight ISU Championships appearances are a true testament to his dedication and success. Paul Fentz is a true icon in the world of figure skating.
29. Felix Rijhnen
Felix Rijhnen is a German Olympic speed skater who participated in the 2022 Winter Olympics. In the 5000 m competition, he finished in 13th place, and in the men’s mass start competition he was disqualified.
Rijhnen is an accomplished athlete who also holds the title of world champion in inline speed skating. Rijhnen is no stranger to the Winter Olympic games. Having competed in the 2018 games, he was determined to make a lasting impression in the 2022 Olympics.
Unfortunately, despite his best efforts, his performance in the 5000 m competition was not enough to secure a higher placing. However, his 13th place finish is still an admirable achievement. In the men’s mass start competition, Rijhnen was unfortunately disqualified.
The exact reason for his disqualification is unknown, but it is likely that he was unable to follow the rules of the competition.
The disqualification must have been a major disappointment to Rijhnen and his team of supporters. Despite this setback, Rijhnen has still shown himself to be an accomplished athlete. He is a world champion in inline speed skating, a title which he has held for a number of years.
This proves that Rijhnen is a talented and determined athlete, and this is something that he can take pride in. In conclusion, Felix Rijhnen is an impressive German Olympic speed skater who had mixed results in the 2022 Winter Olympics.
Although he did not secure a high placing in the 5000 m competition and was disqualified from the men’s mass start competition, he is still a world champion in inline speed skating. This proves that Rijhnen is an accomplished athlete who is determined to reach his goals.
30. Tanja Szewczenko
Tanja Szewczenko is a renowned German former figure skater and actress. She is well-known for her impressive achievements in figure skating, having won several medals in world and European competitions.
She was the 1994 World bronze medalist, 1997 Champions Series Final silver medalist, and 1998 European bronze medalist. Additionally, she was the 1993 World Junior bronze medalist, a testament to her dedication and skill in the sport since a very young age.
This impressive list of accomplishments demonstrates Tanja’s commitment to her craft and her ability to excel in it. She is a true inspiration to aspiring figure skaters everywhere and has left an indelible mark on the sport.
31. Katarina Wit
Katarina Witt is a legendary figure skater from Germany. She is renowned for her accomplished career as a ladies’ singles figure skater, having earned two Olympic gold medals and numerous other awards and accolades.
Witt is considered one of the greatest figure skaters of all time due to her impressive athleticism, charisma and style on the ice. She is remembered for her grace and poise in her performances, as well as the glamorous image she presented.
Her Laureus profile further attests to this, noting her athleticism as well as her charisma and glamorous image. Witt’s career has made her a role model for aspiring figure skaters, and her legacy will live on for many years to come.
32. Minerva Fabienne Hase
Minerva Fabienne Hase is a highly accomplished German figure skater. She is currently paired with Nikita Volodin, with whom she has achieved significant success in the world of competitive figure skating.
At the 2023 CS Lombardia Trophy, the duo won the silver medal, an accomplishment that cemented them as one of the top pair skating teams in the world. Hase is well-known for her technical precision and artistry on the ice.
Her trademark style is a combination of speed, grace, and power that has been praised by both fans and judges alike.
Her performance with Volodin at the Lombardia Trophy was enough to impress the panel of judges and win them the coveted silver medal. The German skaters have seen much success in the past few years, and their silver medal at the Lombardia Trophy is a testament to the hard work and dedication they have put in.
Hase and Volodin are poised to become even greater successes in the future, as they continue to train and compete together. With their impressive record and strong performances, the pair are sure to become even more successful in the years to come.
33. Petra Ruhrmann
Petra Ruhrmann was a talented figure skater who represented West Germany during the late 1960s. She was a two-time national silver medalist in the sport and was chosen to compete in the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble. At the Olympics, she placed 17th in the competition.
Ruhrmann was an ambitious figure skater who worked hard to master her craft. She was committed to improving her skills and perfecting her routines. Her hard work and dedication paid off as she earned two national silver medals for her performances.
In 1968, Ruhrmann was selected to compete in the Winter Olympics in Grenoble. This was a huge honor and a great opportunity for her. She was determined to do her best and to make her country proud. She competed admirably, but ultimately placed 17th in the competition.
Petra Ruhrmann was an incredible figure skater who made a name for herself on the international stage. She was a two-time national silver medalist and represented West Germany proudly at the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble.
She placed 17th in the competition, a testament to her courage and determination.
34. Manfred Schnelldorfer
Manfred Schnelldorfer is a renowned German figure skater from the 20th century. He is widely recognized for his impressive achievements and successful career. In 1964, Schnelldorfer won both the Olympic and World Championships in figure skating.
This accomplishment is seen as one of the greatest accomplishments by a German figure skater. To this day, he remains the only German athlete to have achieved this feat.
Schnelldorfer also enjoyed great success at the German National Championships, winning the title a record eight times. He held the record for the most German national titles for over 50 years until it was broken in 2016.
Schnelldorfer’s success and achievements have earned him a lasting place in the pantheon of German figure skaters. His success is an inspiration to many young German figure skaters who look to him as an example of what hard work and dedication can lead to.
35. Alexander König
Alexander König is an accomplished German figure skater and coach. He has achieved both individual and team success in his career. As a pairs skater with Peggy Schwarz, he won the bronze medal at the 1988 European Championships and placed seventh at three Winter Olympics.
König also has an impressive individual figure skating career. He was the bronze medalist at the 1982 World Junior Championships.
His success at the junior level helped to establish him as a competitive figure skater. König’s success as a figure skater has continued into his coaching career. He is currently the coach of various skaters, helping them to reach their own goals.
He is also a respected figure in the skating community, known for his knowledge and dedication to the sport. Through his hard work and dedication, Alexander König has proven to be a successful figure skater and coach.
His accomplishments have helped to inspire future generations of figure skaters to reach their own goals, and to strive for excellence in the sport.
36. Uschi Keszler
Ursula “Uschi” Keszler is a world-renowned figure skating coach and choreographer who has made her mark in the sport. Keszler began her career as a competitive figure skater for West Germany, where she competed in various international competitions.
After her competitive career came to an end, Keszler transitioned into coaching and choreography, providing guidance to numerous successful figure skaters and teams around the world.
Her passion for the sport and her commitment to helping her athletes reach their highest potential have made her one of the most sought-after coaches in the world.
Keszler continues to be an influential player in the figure skating world, inspiring generations of skaters to reach their goals and dreams.
37. Erich Zeller
Erich Zeller was a successful German figure skater and coach. He represented the club Rot-Weiß-Berlin and was crowned 1942 German champion. Outside of figure skating, Zeller was also studying mechanical engineering.
However, his success and progress in the figure skating world was cut short when he was forced to join the Wehrmacht in 1942. This meant that his figure skating career was destroyed due to World War II, and he was unable to pursue his dreams further in the sport.
Unfortunately, Erich Zeller’s story is not unique, as many other figure skaters and athletes had their careers and lives drastically changed by the war.
38. Martin Rappe
Martin Rappe is a renowned German figure skater who has achieved a great deal of success throughout his career.
He has won a number of medals, including the 2014 CS Ice Challenge bronze medal, 2014 Hellmut Seibt Memorial champion, 2012 Bavarian Open silver medal, and the 2012 German national bronze medal.
In addition to his impressive medal collection, Rappe has also competed at the 2012 and 2013 World Junior Championships, where he finished in 11th place on both occasions.
This shows a level of consistency and dedication to his sport, which has enabled him to excel and reach the highest level of figure skating. Overall, Martin Rappe is an impressive figure skater who has achieved an impressive amount of success in his sport.
He is a very talented athlete who has won several medals and competed on the world stage. He is an inspiration to aspiring figure skaters and is a great example of hard work and dedication paying off.
39. Franz Streubel
Franz Streubel is a renowned former competitive figure skater from Germany. He has achieved remarkable success in the sport, having won two German national titles and six senior international medals.
His crowning achievement came in 2012 when he claimed the gold medal at the Bavarian Open. Two years later, Streubel added to his collection of accolades with a gold medal at the NRW Trophy.
Additionally, Streubel has had the honor of placing in the top 15 at three European Championships, further illustrating his dominance in the sport.
His accomplishments have earned him the admiration of many fans and skaters alike, cementing his status as a true figure skating legend.
40. Sepp Schönmetzler
Sepp Schönmetzler is an accomplished figure skater, coach and journalist from Germany. As a figure skater, he achieved great success, becoming the German national champion in 1962 and 1965. He also represented his country at the 1964 Winter Olympics, where he placed 12th.
In addition to his impressive achievements as a figure skater, Schönmetzler is also a successful journalist. He produces a German figure skating magazine, Eissport-Magazin, which provides insight and news on the figure skating world.
Through his work on the magazine, Schönmetzler has had an undeniable influence on the figure skating community in Germany. Overall, Sepp Schönmetzler is an accomplished figure skater, coach and journalist from Germany.
His accomplishments on the ice and his work in the journalism world have had a positive impact on the figure skating community in his country.
41. Jan Hoffmann
Jan Hoffmann is a renowned German figure skater who has achieved great success in his sport. He competed in four Olympic Games for East Germany, winning a silver medal in 1980.
Additionally, Hoffmann was crowned World Champion in 1974 and 1980, and European Champion on four occasions. Hoffmann’s successes have earned him a place in the history books as one of the greatest figure skaters of all time.
He first began skating in the 1960s and quickly rose to prominence on the international stage.
His achievements in the Olympics, World Championships and European Championships are a testament to his skill and dedication. Throughout his career, Hoffmann has remained dedicated to the sport of figure skating.
He continues to be a major influence on the figure skating community, both in Germany and abroad. His legacy will forever be remembered as one of the greatest and most successful figure skaters in history.
42. Richard Zander
Richard Zander is a well-known former competitive figure skater from Germany. He was born in Portland, Oregon, United States to German parents, but moved to Germany in 1980 to focus on his figure skating training.
His dedication to the sport paid off, as he was crowned German National Champion in 1987 and 1989.
His success was largely attributed to his coach, Karin Doherty, who guided him through his competitive career. Zander was a successful and well-respected figure skater, both in Germany and internationally.
He was a two-time German National Champion, and his accomplishments in the sport are still remembered today. He was also a great role model for aspiring figure skaters, showing the dedication and hard work that it takes to become a champion.
His story is a reminder that anything is possible if you put in the effort and have the right support.
Conclusion
Germany has produced some of the best skaters in the world. With its strong skating culture, Germany is a great place to learn the sport and hone one’s skills.
From modern stars like Paul Fentz and Paul Stuart to classic legends like Katarina Witt and Heike Henkel, German skaters have set an example for others to follow. With the support of its government, Germany looks to continue to be a leader in the skating world.
