Germany DR (1949-89)Biography
1980 Olympic Champion. Won first important title in European Junior in 1973. Became European indoor champion in 1976-77. After competing Montreal Olympics, finished fifth, tested positive in European Cup competition in August 1977, banned for one year. Back to the field in Prague 1978 European Champs, secured gold by setting championship record (21.41).
She sets a world record in May 11, 1980 in Potsdam with 22.45, then took Olympic gold in Moscow nearly recorded identical measurement (22.41). Her effort in Moscow still stands as Olympic record.
She took a break in 1984 after Olympic boycott and marriage, then returned to competition. In 1987, Slupianek (then Ilona Briesenick) secured a silver in World Indoor. She retired end of the 1988 season at age of 32. Not surprisingly, she has been named amongst the state-sponsored doping list on reveals early in 1990s.
PERSONAL BESTS
Shot put: 22.45m in Potsdam 1980
Shot put indoor: 21.59 in East Berlin 1979
Discus throw: 61.34 in Berlin 1976
TRIVIA
♦ Married three times, including Hartmut Briesenick (fellow German shot putter).
♦ During her career, competed for SC Dynamo Berlin and OSC Berlin. Trainer was Willi Kühl.
♦ Was a member of Socialist Youth Parliament for 10 years.
♦ Ten times GDR national champion in shot put. (Indoor 1977, 79-81; Outdoor 1977, 79-84)
(Texted and compiled by Athleticspodium.com)