A time of 1:42.00 set on 28 July 2009 established Paul Biedermann as the fastest 200-metre freestyle swimmer in history. Born in 1986 in Halle (Saale), Germany, this competitive swimmer dominated international long course and short course events. His career trajectory highlights both peak athletic performance and the evolution of regulations regarding equipment in professional aquatic competition.
Early Competitive Development
Biedermann entered the global stage in 2008, holding a world ranking of 9th in the 200-metre freestyle and 21st in the 400-metre freestyle. His performance at the 2008 European Aquatics Championships, where he finished in 1:46.59, secured his qualification for the Beijing Olympic Games. In Beijing, he placed 5th in the 200-metre freestyle final and 17th in the 400-metre freestyle.
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The 2009 World Aquatics Championships in Rome marked a turning point for Biedermann. On 26 July, he surpassed Oussama Mellouli in the 400-metre freestyle to record a time of 3:40.07, breaking the 2002 world record held by Ian Thorpe. Two days later, he defeated Michael Phelps to claim gold in the 200-metre freestyle. These performances were achieved using polyurethane super-suits, which were later banned due to the performance advantages they provided.
Continued International Participation
Throughout the 2010 Short Course World Championships, Biedermann maintained his rivalry with Mellouli, securing gold in the 400-metre freestyle while placing 5th in the 200-metre event. By 2011, he secured bronze medals in the 200-metre, 400-metre, and the 4x100-metre medley relay at the Long Course World Championships. His Olympic journey continued through the 2012 Summer Olympics in London and concluded at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, where he placed 6th in both the 200-metre freestyle and the 4x200-metre freestyle relay.
Fast facts
- Born: 1986, Halle (Saale), Germany
- Occupation: Swimmer
- 2009 German Sportspersonality of the Year
- Olympic participation: 2008, 2012, 2016
- Long course world record holder: 200-metre freestyle
- Language: German
Questions readers ask
What is Paul Biedermann's primary achievement?
He holds the long course world record in the 200-metre freestyle.
Why was there controversy regarding his world records?
The records were established while wearing now-banned super-suits that provided an advantage in speed.
Achievements
- Competed at 2008 Summer Olympics, 2012 Summer Olympics and swimming at the 2016 Summer Olympics
- Discipline: competitive swimming
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