Three Olympic gold medals and eight world records define the swimming career of Barbara Krause. Born in 1959 in East Berlin, she emerged from the German Democratic Republic sports system to dominate freestyle events at the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow. Her athletic performance remains a point of historical reference within international swimming records.
Olympic Performance
At the 1980 Summer Olympics, Krause secured three gold medals. She finished first in the 100 metre freestyle, the 200 metre freestyle, and the 4x100 metre freestyle relay. These victories solidified her status in the sport, coming after she had established herself as an eight-time world record holder in her discipline.
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Krause competed within the East German athletic system, where coaches administered doping substances under Stasi direction. During the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, medical staff removed her from the national team due to fears that an incorrect drug dosage would result in a positive test. Later medical evidence indicated that her children were born with foot deformities, which were attributed to the steroids she had been administered.
Post-Athletic Recognition
Following her competitive career, Krause received the Patriotic Order of Merit in Silver. In 1988, she earned induction into the International Swimming Hall of Fame. Outside of her athletic history, she is known as an artist. She is married to Lutz Wanja, a retired Olympic swimmer, and holds citizenship in Germany.
Fast facts
- Born: 1959, East Berlin
- Sport: Swimming
- Olympic Medals: Three Gold
- World Record Holder: Eight times
- Award: Patriotic Order of Merit in Silver
- Hall of Fame Induction: 1988
- Spouse: Lutz Wanja
- Occupation: Artist, former swimmer
Questions readers ask
What happened to Barbara Krause at the 1976 Olympics?
She was withdrawn from the team because doctors feared a miscalculated dose of performance-enhancing drugs would lead to a positive doping test.
What is her primary legacy in swimming?
She is recognized for setting eight world records and winning three gold medals at the 1980 Moscow Olympics.
Achievements
- Patriotic Order of Merit in Silver
- International Swimming Hall of Fame
- Competed at swimming at the 1980 Summer Olympics – women's 100 metre freestyle, swimming at the 1980 Summer Olympics – women's 200 metre freestyle and swimming at the 1980 Summer Olympics – women's 4
- Discipline: competitive swimming
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