In the swimming world, obtaining a high level medal can be something to be very proud of. You hang it on your wall, maybe above a fire place, a conversation starter when you host a dinner party.
But some swimmers have something else in mind.
1996 German Olympian San
dra Völker is a sprint freestyler and backstroker, planning to auction off her medals from an array of different events she has competed in for her country, including several medals from the 2001 FINA World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan where she received gold in the 4×100 free relay with teammates Petra Dallamnn, Antje Buschschulte, and Katrin. This medal will go for 9,000 Euros, which is roughly $12,483.90 USD.
The big medals to strive for in this bunch include her silver medal from the 100 free in the 1996 Atlanta Games which will go for 15,000 Euros, $20,806.50 USD and the bronze medal in the 50 free which will go for 12,000 Euros, $16.645.20 USD
She is also auctioning off her medal from the 2001 FINA World Championships in the 50 and 100 free where she took bronze against teammate Katrin Meißner. This medal will go for 7,000 Euros, $9,709.40 USD.
Including many of her medals from some extremely important events, Völker has several vintage items up for grabs, such as old Speedo competition suits and goggles from her racing days.
Want to try for these medals? Go to the link above to register and follow the instructions. The auction opened today and will close May 18th, 2014.
EDIT: My apologies for the countey of origin confusion.
Whatchu talkin bout Gisselle?
East Germany’s last Olympics was Seoul 1988.
Yeah….. That’s kind of what I was thinking….. I think the 1990 Goodwill Games was just about it….. 1996?!?! No way….
East Germany was gone long before the 2001 World Championships. And Volker never competed for the DDR. Ever.