Paul Voell

Paul Voell was West Germany’s outstanding freestyle sprinter in the 1950s, winning six German championships (1952, 1954-58) in the 100 metre freestyle. He was 16-years-old when he won his first title and was, at the time, the youngest ever German swimming champion. In 1957 Voell equalled the German record in the 100 free, which had held since 1936. Voell participated at the European Championships in 1954 and 1958 as well as at the 1956 and 1960 Olympics. In both Melbourne and Roma he placed seventh in the semifinals. Paul Voell died in 2004 from the consequences of a stroke he had suffered in late 2003.