Sarah Wellbrock is probably the best-known German swimmer in recent years. Due to persistent shoulder problems, the Hanau native has to end her career.
Olympic bronze medalist Sarah Wellbrock is retiring due to ongoing health problems. “Swimming has been a part of me for almost my whole life and has determined my everyday life for the past 18 years. But my body has not been able to withstand the strain for more than two years,” wrote the 28-year-old from Hanau on Instagram on Wednesday. For her own good, she must now draw a line.
“Countless tears shed”
In the past two years, she has repeatedly hoped to get her long-standing shoulder problems under control, according to a statement from her management. Despite great effort, however, there was no improvement.
“Of course, countless tears were shed during this decision-making process and there will certainly be some more. It was an incredibly difficult decision,” continued Wellbrock, who celebrated success under her maiden name Köhler before marrying Olympic champion Florian Wellbrock in 2021. Rationally, the end of the career is the best decision.
2021 Olympic bronze, 2019 team world champion
The swimmer from SG Frankfurt achieved her greatest success at the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo. Wellbrock’s bronze in the 1,500 meter freestyle was the first Olympic pool medal for the German Swimming Association (DSV) in 13 years.
In addition, she became world champion in the team over 5 kilometers open water in 2019 and European champion over 800 meters freestyle in 2017. In addition to her sports career, Wellbrock has completed a law degree.
Florian and Sarah Wellbrock were extremely successful at the Tokyo Olympics.
“Proud of what I’ve done”
Now she will advance her career after her career – and as a trained lawyer, she will probably remain at least partially true to the sport. Maybe as a legal advisor to athletes.
“I’m proud of what I’ve achieved and very confident that I can celebrate further successes in the future, albeit in a different context,” Wellbrock wrote in parting: “I’m looking forward to my new everyday life and I’m excited what life has in store for me.”
