Swimming icon Ute Hascher-Brückner promotes talent in Wolgast

Swimming icon Ute Hascher-Brückner promotes talent in Wolgast

In Zinnowitz, where the waves gently splash on the shore, local swimming legend Ute Hascher-Brückner, born in 1959, is celebrating a small anniversary. 50 years ago, on July 26, 1975, she and her team made history at the 2nd World Swimming Championships in Cali, Colombia. As the youngest swimmer in the GDR relay quartet - which also included Kornelia Ender, Barbara Krause and Claudia Hempel - she secured the world record in the 4x100 meter freestyle relay with an incredible time of 3:49.37 minutes. The four talents thus undercut the magical limit of 3:50 minutes, which was considered a sporting miracle at the time. It should also be noted that as the final swimmer, Ute kept the strong competition, especially the American swimmer Shirley Babashoff, at a distance, thereby creating golden moments for the GDR. Her gold medal was already distributed on the last day of the World Cup, with one small flaw: it was without engraving because the return flight was scheduled for the next day.

Over the last 28 years, Ute has not only used her own success to train young talents at the Wolgast Swimming Club, but she has also ensured that swimming is not forgotten in her home region. Her passion is not just for water; she organizes training camps and actively seeks sponsors for aspiring swimmers. In an interview with our editorial team, she explained that it was particularly important to her to give children the opportunity to learn to swim in the Baltic Sea. She not only supports her protégés, but also her three-year-old granddaughter, who is already making her first attempts at swimming.

The path to becoming a swimming legend

Ute Brückner, who once trained for SC DHfK Leipzig, lists an impressive series of successes: She competed in competitions from 1971 and dominated the medley relay from 1974 to 1975. The competitive spirit also flourished at the Spartakiads: she was able to win the title of Spartakiad champion in 1973. She experienced her sporting highlights until the end of her career in 1977, when she competed for the last time at the GDR championships in Leipzig. In addition to her golden award as world champion, she was also able to claim numerous national titles, including GDR championships and runner-up titles in various disciplines, such as butterfly.

In her private life, Ute was married to Gerd Hascher, a former swimming coach, in 1982 and has since had a son who has carried on her sporting passion. Her fascination with sports isn't just about her being a swimmer; It is also impressive when running and cycling. The warm-hearted Zinnowitz resident not only has the water but also life in her community firmly under control.

Commitment to the community

Ute Hascher-Brückner is a true pioneer when it comes to advancing the sport of swimming and at the same time taking on social responsibility. She has been involved in the Greifswald Baltic Lions Club for over a quarter of a century and is actively involved in charity events that are specifically created for children, young people and environmental protection. She recently even received an invitation to the World Championships in Singapore - a sign of her unwavering commitment to swimming, which is very popular in Zinnowitz and beyond.

Ute Hascher-Brückner not only remains active in the pool, but is also a pillar of her community who never forgets where she comes from. As you can see, the heart of a champion beats here in Zinnowitz and inspires generations of future swimmers. Further information can be found at Baltic Sea newspaper and up Wikipedia.