Melanie Paschke

Although German sprinter Melanie Paschke had a long international career as the “first lady” of German female sprinting, she could only qualify for one Olympic Games, at Atlanta in 1996. There, she failed to reach the 100- and 200-metre finals and was a member of the 4x100 relay squad that did not finish their heat due to an exchange failure.

Individually, Paschke won two bronze medals at European Championships in 1994 over 100 metres, and in 1998 over 200. She also won the silver medal at the World Indoor Championships over 60 metres in 1995. With the German 4x100 relay team she won the gold medal at the 2001 World Championships and the bronze medal in 1995. At Europeans, she also won relay gold in 1994 and two silvers in 1998 and 2002.

At German Championships, Paschke won the 100 metres title five times in 1993-96, and 2003, and the 200 metres four times in 1994-96, and 1998. She also won the 60 metres indoor titles in 1993-96, 1998, and 2002, and 200 metres indoor in 1998. She later supervised children and youth athletics groups at Bochum.

By profession, Paschke became a full-time clerk in the financial accounting department of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Bochum. She then started further training to become an economist.

Personal Bests: 100 – 11.04 (1995); 200 – 22.45 (1994).