Ulrike Adeberg

Ulrike Adeberg, born in Merseburg, East Germany, was a very successful skater at the junior level. After débuting at the World Junior Championships in 1988, placing 12th, she won the title in 1989 and 1990, winning three distances in 1990. She made her senior début in 1991 and finished seventh in both the European and World Championships. Due to stiff competition in her own country, Adeberg did not return to major tournaments until 1994. In that year, she won a silver medal in the World Championships held in Butte, Montana, where some top skaters did not show because of their preparation for the Olympic Games.

Adeberg also qualified for the Games by finishing 14th in the 1500 m. After that season, Adeberg mainly appeared in the European Championships, with a fourth place in 1998 as her top classification. During the 1999/2000 season, Ulrike Adeberg quit speed skating, as did her husband, skater Michael Spielmann. Ulrike’s brother, Peter, was also a successful speed skater. Adeberg won two German National Allround Championships in 1994 and 1999, and also held a Junior World Record in the points combination.

Personal Bests: 500 – 40.92 (1998); 1000 – 1:21.09 (1998); 1500 – 2:01.84 (1998); 3000 – 4:13.47 (1999); 5000 – 7:23.39 (1999).