Feature by Stefan Lackner<\/i><\/p>\n
CLEVELAND, Mississippi, September 27. EDITORIAL intern Stefan Lackner will be providing a series of profiles helping our readers get to know some of the top swimmers in Europe. Our first profile shines the light on Sarah Poewe, who has represented both South Africa and Germany in international competition.<\/p>\n
Country:<\/b> Germany
\nEvents:<\/b> 100m and 200m Breaststroke
\nBirthplace:<\/b> Cape Town, South Africa
\nHeight:<\/b> 5'9
\nCollege:<\/b> University of Georgia
\nHobbies:<\/b> running, listening to music, reading and going to movies
\nEducation:<\/b> Speech Communication Major
\nClub:<\/b> SG Bayer Wuppertal
\nCoaches:<\/b> Jack Bauerle (UGA)\/ Karoly von Toros (South Africa)<\/p>\n
Achievements:<\/b>
\nIn 2000: (represented South Africa)
\n\u2022\tOlympic Games (Sydney)
\n4th place 100m breaststroke
\n6th place 200m breaststroke
\n\u2022\tWorld Short Course (Greece)
\n1st place 50\/ 100m breaststroke<\/p>\n
In 2002: (first time represented Germany)
\n\u2022\tEuropean Short Course (Riesa)
\n1st place 100m breaststroke (meet record & German Record)
\n2nd place 50\/ 200m breaststroke<\/p>\n
In 2003:
\n\u2022\tEuropean Short Course (Dublin)
\n1st place 50\/ 100m breaststroke (German & meet records)<\/p>\n
In 2004:
\n\u2022\tOlympic Games
\n5th place 100m breaststroke (German Record)
\n3rd place 400m Medley Relay (German and European Record)
\n\u2022\tEuropean Short Course (Vienna)
\n1st place 50\/100m breaststroke
\n3rd place 200m breaststroke<\/p>\n
In 2005:
\n\u2022\tWorld Champs (Montreal)
\n100m breaststroke finals
\n3rd place 400m Medley Relay <\/p>\n
In 2006:
\n\u2022\tEuropean Long Course (Budapest)
\n2nd place 400m Medley Relay<\/p>\n
In 2007:
\n\u2022\tEuropean Short Course (Debrecen)
\n2nd place 50m breaststroke (back injury\/ had to withdraw)
\n\u2022\tWorld Cup Short Course (Berlin)
\n1st place 100m breaststroke
\n2nd place 50m breaststroke<\/p>\n
In 2008:
\n\u2022\tGerman Olympic Trials (Berlin)
\n1st place 100\/ 200m breaststroke (100m-European Record\/ German Record)
\n\u2022\tOlympic Games (China) (had to withdraw due to illness)
\nHeading into Games, ranked 3rd in the 100 breaststroke.<\/p>\n
Additional Honors:<\/b>
\nPersonal: <\/b>
\n\u2022\tWas the youngest member on the 2000 South African Olympic team
\n\u2022\tAwarded the best junior female swimmer in South Africa
\n\u2022\t1998- Junior Olympic Games (Moscow) awarded best female and highest scorer of the competition
\n\u2022\tSanlam awards x3- (sports women of the year in South Africa (twice for junior category and once for senior category))<\/p>\n
Other Carrier Highlights:<\/b>
\n\u2022\tUniversity of Georgia Achievements (2002-05)
\n 2005 Women's NCAA Division I Champions
\n(Highlight-a tour of the White House and a meeting with President Bush)
\n–\tHardest Worker Award (2003)
\n–\tAll-American (three times)<\/p>\n
\u2022\t2004 -"Lorbeerblatt"-An award for outstanding sport achievements at the summer Olympic Games <\/p>\n
Additional Information:<\/b>
\n\u2022\tI am fluent in 3 languages- German, English and Afrikaans<\/p>\n
How was your Olympic experience?<\/b>
\nBeijing was my 3rd Olympic Games; however, with high expectations of medaling in the 100m breaststroke, I fell sick during the first week of the Games (the swimming week.) Due to the unforeseen circumstances, I had to withdraw from the 200m Breaststroke. Once again, it was a great honor to represent Germany.<\/p>\n
How has swimming affected your life?<\/b>
\nWell, I would have to say it has made me who I am today. Strong, determined, goal orientated person. More so, I have had the opportunity to travel the world and learn more about different cultures and social norms. Along the way, I have built lifelong friendships.<\/p>\n
Was it your dream to be a professional swimmer?<\/b>
\nSince the age of 10, I have dreamed of being part of the Olympic spirit!<\/p>\n
Did you ever think you would get to this point, and who has helped and supported you along the way?<\/b>
\nWith the support of my coaches (Karoly von Toros (South African coach)\/ Jack Bauerle (Georgia head coach) and Henning Lambertz (SG Bayer Wuppertal)), my club SG Bayer Wuppertal, and most importantly my family, I managed to reach my dream again (2008 Olympic Games.) Without their backing and guidance, this dream of qualifying for three Olympic Games would not have been fulfilled. <\/p>\n
Right now, the world of swimming is continuing to get faster. Who do you think is the next biggest swimming country after the U.S. and Australia?<\/b>
\nThe Europeans; however, there are always new faces, upcoming talents that arise constantly.<\/p>\n
What is your next goal?<\/b>
\nAt the moment, I am focusing on graduating from the University of Georgia with a degree in Speech Communication, and my goal is to enter the media world in sports broadcasting.<\/p>\n
What do you do to prepare before a race?<\/b>
\nI definitely have certain rituals: I paint my nails black & listen to certain music to help me focus on the race ahead. I usually have a set plan on the day of the competition.<\/p>\n
What is the hardest set you've ever swum?<\/b>
\nI could elaborate on this question, but it all depends on how I am feeling that day and whether I am in heavy training or not. I believe a set is only as hard as you make it out to be.<\/p>\n
Do you ever fear losing a race?<\/b>
\nI think the fear is more of a disappointment of oneself. No one enjoys losing. I swim to better myself and to test my limits<\/p>\n
If you weren't able to be in swimming, what other sport would you be interested in?<\/b>
\nActually, I was awarded the cup for best junior tennis player at my school but at that stage, I was swimming at international competitions, so I had a decision to make. <\/p>\n
What would you tell a child who is just learning to swim right now and is scared of the water?<\/b>
\nThe water is your friend, so let it guide you. Remember to always enjoy what you are doing, as without the enjoyment you won't be able to excel.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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