Niemann, Gunda (1966–)
Niemann, Gunda (1966–)
German speedskater. Name variations: Gunda Niemann Kleemann; Gunda Niemann-Stirnemann or Gunda Niemann Stirnemann. Born Sept 9, 1966, in Sondershausen, Germany.
Won the European championships (1989–92, 1994–96) and came in 2nd (1997); won the World championships in the 5,000 meters by 5.30 seconds (1991) and by 6.55 seconds (1993); won gold medals in the 3,000 and 5,000 meters and a silver in the 1,500 meters at Albertville Olympics (1992); won a silver medal in the 5,000 meters and a bronze in the 1,500 meters at Lillehammer Olympics (1994); placed 1st at World championships in the 1,500, 3,000, and 5,000 meters (1997); won a gold medal for 3,000 meters and silver medals for the 1,500 and 5,000 meters (the 1st woman to skate under the 7-minute mark) at Nagano Olympics (1998). Named "German Athlete of the Year" (1995).