Claudia Poll

Claudia Maria Poll Ahrens ( born December 21, 1972 in Managua) is a former swimmer from Costa Rica.

Career

She grew up with her older sister Silvia on their German parents in Costa Rica. At the Olympic Games in Atlanta in 1996, she became the first female athlete from Costa Rica, the Olympic champion was. She won the gold medal in the 200m freestyle before Franziska van Almsick and Dagmar Hase. Four years later in Sydney she managed each of the bronze medal over 200 m and 400 m freestyle. At the 2004 Olympics in Athens, she could not reach more finals.

In 1997, she was elected Swimmer of the Year. At the World Championships in 1988 she was also world champion in the 200 m freestyle.

Her sister, Silvia won the silver medal in the 200 m backstroke at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul.

2002 Claudia Poll was accused of doping and banned for four years. This lock was later reduced to two years. She has always maintained her innocence.