Global water instinct brand arena have teamed up with German freestyle swimmer Paul Biedermann in a sponsorship deal that will take the world record holder through next year’s Olympic Games in Rio De Janeiro. The 28-year-old returns to the arena fold as he winds up his final preparations for this summer’s FINA World Championships in Kazan, Russia.
Photo Courtesy: Arena
Biedermann made history in Rome, 2009, when he donned arena’s Powerskin X-Glide suit to set new 200 and 400 freestyle world records, handing Michael Phelps his first defeats in these events in four years.
His achievements reverberated around the swimming world, and further podium finishes at the world’s leading aquatics events followed – gold medals at the 2010 and 2012 World SC Championships, and the 2010 and 2012 European Championships, along with three bronze medals at the 2011 World Championships.
However, illness forced a long break from the pool after the 2012 London Olympics, and he effectively missed the entire 2013 season. Biedermann started his comeback in 2014, adding the 100 free to his repertoire, and in August he took the 200 freestyle silver medal at the European Championships in Berlin, along with the 4×200 freestyle relay title.
Photo Courtesy: Arena
Having announced his intention to retire after the 2016 Olympics, Rio remains his principal focus, wih this year’s World Championships providing a key stepping-stone in his preparations. Heading into Kazan, Biedermann is ranked number one in 200 free, with his 1:45.60 at German Nationals in April leading the pack.
Biedermann trains with coach Frank Embacher in his home town of Halle, and has been in a relationship for several years with German 50 and 100 freestyle world record holder, Britta Steffen, who retired from competitive swimming in 2013.
“It’s great to be back with arena,” said Biedermann. “Naturally I’m very familiar with their fantastic range of products, and they make you feel you’re part of the family in the way that they support you. I can’t think of anyone better to have in my corner as I prepare for my last Olympics.”
“Paul adds a really strong presence to our middle-distance freestyle roster,” said Enrico Maria Tricarico, General Manager of arena Central Europe. “He’s shown what he can do in the past, and it’s testament to his quality that his records still stand while others are falling around them. It’s great to see him back at the top of his game, and we welcome his character and professionalism back to our Elite Team. We are looking forward to an exciting and eventful ride with Paul over the next year as he builds up to Rio.”
Swimming news courtesy of Arena.