Births on January 11

Anni Friesinger-Postma, German speed skater

Anna Christine Friesinger-Postma, widely known as Anni Friesinger, born on January 11, 1977, is a highly decorated former German speed skater. Renowned for her remarkable achievements and dominant presence on the ice, Friesinger-Postma established herself as one of the most prominent figures in the sport during her active career, capturing numerous titles and captivating audiences worldwide with her powerful skating style.

A Family Legacy in Speed Skating

Anni Friesinger-Postma hails from a distinguished speed skating lineage, a foundation that undoubtedly contributed to her exceptional talent and dedication. Her father, Georg Friesinger, a German national, and her mother, Janina ("Jana") Korowicka, originally from Poland, were both accomplished skaters themselves. Jana Korowicka notably represented Poland as part of their national team at the 1976 Winter Olympics, showcasing the family's deep-rooted connection to elite-level competition.

The family's commitment to speed skating extended to her siblings as well. Her brother, Jan Friesinger, also pursued a career in the sport as a speed skater, while her sister, Agnes Friesinger, was also a former speed skater. This multi-generational involvement in the sport highlights a unique environment of athletic excellence and shared passion within the Friesinger family.

Retirement Due to Injury

In July 2010, Anni Friesinger-Postma made the difficult decision to retire from her illustrious active sports career. This retirement was necessitated by severe cartilage damage in her right knee joint, a common and often career-ending injury among elite athletes who place immense stress on their joints over years of intense training and competition. Despite her undeniable talent and enduring passion for the sport, the need for extensive medical treatment and the long-term implications of such an injury made continued high-performance skating unfeasible.

Personal Life and Family

On August 11, 2009, Anni Friesinger-Postma married her long-term partner, Ids Postma, a former Dutch speed skater who was also a prominent figure in the sport. The couple exchanged vows at the historic Schloss Mirabell in Salzburg, Austria, a magnificent Baroque palace famed for its gardens and architectural beauty. The subsequent wedding celebration took place at Schloss Aigen, another elegant venue, marking a union between two celebrated speed skating families.

As of November 2013, Friesinger-Postma was residing in Salzburg, Austria, with plans to relocate to the Netherlands to live with Ids Postma on his farm in Dearsum. This plan eventually came to fruition, settling the couple in the Netherlands.

The couple has expanded their family with two daughters. Their first daughter was born in August 2011, followed by their second daughter in May 2014, adding another dimension to Anni Friesinger-Postma's life beyond her celebrated athletic career.

Frequently Asked Questions about Anni Friesinger-Postma

• Who is Anni Friesinger-Postma?

  Anni Friesinger-Postma (born Anna Christine Friesinger) is a highly successful retired German speed skater, widely recognized for her numerous international titles and her prominent role in the sport.

• What caused Anni Friesinger's retirement?

  Anni Friesinger-Postma retired from professional speed skating in July 2010 due to severe cartilage damage in her right knee joint, an injury that made continued elite-level competition impossible.

• Is speed skating a family tradition for Anni Friesinger?

  Yes, speed skating is deeply embedded in the Friesinger family. Both her father, Georg, and her mother, Jana Korowicka (who competed for Poland in the 1976 Winter Olympics), were skaters. Her brother Jan and sister Agnes also pursued speed skating careers, establishing a strong family legacy in the sport.

• Who is Anni Friesinger-Postma married to?

  Anni Friesinger-Postma is married to Ids Postma, a former Dutch speed skater. They married on August 11, 2009.