Sarah Kohler
Born June 20, 1994 Sarah Kohler is one of Germany’s group of young rising distance swimmers. Kohler is sponsored by Speedo, and although her distance ranges from the 400 up to the 1500, Kohler is probably most decorated in the 800m freestyle. Born in Hanau, Kohler is one of the world’s fastest distance swimmers, and she has her sights set on Rio 2016 to her Olympic debut.
2012 German Championships serve as breakout meet
Kohler rose to prominence in the Olympic year 2012, when she first made headlines at the German Championships, which served as the selection for London. At just 18 years old Kohler won a gold medal in the 400m freestyle, but she just missed hitting the Olympic standard. Later in the meet the young Kohler also picked up a title in the 800m freestyle, but she just fell short of the Olympic standard again.
2013 World Short Course Championships
After failing to make the 2012 London Olympics, Kohler seemed to be out for blood in 2013. She qualified for the 2013 World Championships, having no difficulty making this qualifying standard, and Kohler took on World Record holder, Mareia Belmonte, and international standout, Katinka Hosszu, in the 800m freestyle. In what was described as an “average” race by media, Kohler held her own at her first World Championships, and battled elite swimmers to take home the bronze medal.
2015 World Championships
In Kazan, Kohler qualified for the final in the 800, finishing 7th in 8:23.67. She also finished 12th in the 400 free (4:09.21).
2016 Rio Olympics
Kohler finished 10th in the 400 Free and failed to qualify for the Finals. In the 800 Free, Kohler finished 8th. The German 4X200 Free Relay team finished 12th and did not qualify for the Finals.
2018 European Championships
In 2018 Sarah won her first major international medal, finishing 2nd in the 1500 (15:57.85) and 3rd in the women’s 4×200 free relay. Sarah also won a silver as part of the German open water relay, while also finishing 4th in the 800 free (8:25.91).
2019 World Championships
Kohler broke out in the 1,500 at these world championships, earning her first worlds medal as she touched for 2nd in 15:48.83, a new best time.
2020 Olympic Games
Kohler won her first Olympic medal in the first-ever women’s 1500 final, placing 3rd overall at 15:42.91 to earn bronze.