Focus on the Olympics: Margaret Hoelzer (2008 Swimming Hopeful)

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

28 May 2008 10:52 AM

Welcome to our Focus on the Olympics articles that introduces you to our Olympic athletes and hopefuls that will be competing in Beijing this summer. Margaret cites her mother as the most influential person in her life, as both role model and friend.

Meet Margaret Hoelzer

Margaret Josephine Hoelzer is the younger daughter of Hans Hoelzer and Elizabeth Livingston. Before swimming, Margaret tried soccer, gymnastics, track and softball. Her older sister, Martha, ran track at both the University of Alabama and University of North Carolina. She is currently working towards earning a graduate degree in sociology from Auburn, where she also received her undergraduate degree. She aspires to work with abused children in the future. Margaret was inspired by her grandfather, Helmut Hoelzer who invented the analog computer during World War II.

Why Root for Her?

Hoelzer was a finalist in the 200m backstroke at the 2004 Olympic Games, finishing fifth. She was a double silver medalist in the 200m backstroke at the 2003 and 2005 World Championships. She won her first U.S. national title in the 200m backstroke at the 2005 World Championship Trials, and she was 200m backstroke champion at the 2002 Pan Pacific Championships.

Performance Record

• 2007 World Championships 200m backstroke & 800m freestyle relay champion
• 2006 Short Course World Championships 200m backstroke Gold medalist and 800m freestyle relay bronze medalist
• 2005 World Championships 200m backstroke silver medalist
• 2004 Olympian in 200m backstroke, fifth place
• 2004 Shortcourse Champion in 200m backstroke
• 2003 World Championships 800m freestyle-relay champion and 200m backstroke silver medalist

The U.S. Swim team trials take place from June 29th to July 6th in Omaha, Nebraska.

Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger