50 greatest Summer Olympians in history
By John Buhler
16. Kristin Otto, Swimming.
Kristin Otto only competed in one Summer Olympics, in Seoul in 1988, but she absolutely dominated the competition, becoming the first female swimmer to win six gold in a single Olympiad.
Otto swam in East Germany’s final Summer Olympics, and while she did win gold as a part of two relay events (the 4×100 individual medley and the 4×100 freestyle relay), the bulk of Otto’s winnings came in the individual variety.
Otto took home gold in 50 m freestyle, 100 m freestyle, 100 m butterfly, and 100 m backstroke. Most swimmers tend to only specialize in freestyle and one other stroke, but Otto authored a true tour-de-force performance in Seoul.
Otto would retire from competitive swimming in 1989, working today as a sports reporter in Germany. Like many of her East German teammates, Otto is often accused of doping, though she has steadfastly denied the allegations.
Whether or not Otto remains unmarred by the IOC, six golds in one Olympics is a pretty impressive feat.
Next: 15. Dara Torres.