Swimmer Silke Pielen finished eighth, and last, in the 200 m backstroke final at the 1972 München Olympics. However, she won the bronze medal with the West German 4x100 medley relay squad. In 1971-72 she won national 100 m backstroke titles. In 1973, she was awarded the highest sports award in Germany, the Silver Bay Leaf.
Pielen later married, and moved to the Los Angeles area of the United States with her husband. Her professional career went from international banking and international marketing to extensive experience in business management in higher education. She was also active in teaching and training swimmers for thirty years, focusing on teaching masters swimmers, fitness swimmers of all ages, and special needs children. Her great passion was working with athletes for Special Olympics.
West Germany