Michael Gross : Swimming
Michael Groß (born June 17, 1964), usually spelled Michael Gross in English, is a former West German swimmer who won six Olympic medals, including three gold medals in the 1984 and 1988 Olympics for freestyle and butterfly events. He was a backstroke specialist, nicknamed “The Albatross” for his long arms which game him a total span of 2.13 meters.
What You May Not Know
Aside from winning three gold medals from the Olympics, he also has two World Championship titles in 1982, two in 1986 and one in 1991. Gross also won a record 18 medals at four European Championships (13 gold, 4 silver and 1 bronze) with individual event wins in the 200 m freestyle and both butterfly events in 1983 and 1985. He set nine world records in individual events.
Michael Gross was named Male World Swimmer of the Year in 1985 by the Swimming World Magazine and was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1995.
Why Was He So Good?
Michael Gross was one of the great athletes of his era, easily winning gold to numerous events and dominating the field. He hated media hype because he has a reserved nature. His characteristic of invincibility and unearthly speed and talent materialized him so easily and effortlessly.
What You May Not Know
- Gross holds a PhD in Philosophy.
- His personal best time is 49.41 in the 100 back and 1:47.66 in the 200 back during the SEC championships.
- He stood 6’7”.
- “Gross” in German translates to “large”.
Was he a legend?
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Related Pages
- More Swimmer Profiles
- About Swimming
- Athlete Database home
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