Silvia Poll facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Sylvia Poll

Personal information
Nationality	Costa Rican
Born	(1970-09-24) September 24, 1970 (age 54) Managua, Nicaragua
Height	1.92 m (6 ft 4 in)
Weight	75 kg (165 lb)
Sport
Sport	Swimming
Strokes	Freestyle, backstroke
Medal record Women's swimming Representing  Costa Rica Olympic Games Silver 1988 Seoul 200 m freestyle Pan Pacs Bronze 1991 Edmonton 100 m backstroke Pan Am Games Gold 1991 Havana 100 m backstroke Gold 1987 Indianapolis 100 m freestyle Gold 1987 Indianapolis 200 m freestyle Gold 1987 Indianapolis 100 m backstroke Silver 1987 Indianapolis 50 m freestyle Silver 1987 Indianapolis 200 m backstroke Silver 1987 Indianapolis 4x200 m freestyle Bronze 1987 Indianapolis 4x100 m freestyle Bronze 1987 Indianapolis 4x100 m medley

Sylvia Úrsula Poll Ahrens is a famous swimmer from Costa Rica. She was born on September 24, 1970, in Managua, Nicaragua. Sylvia is an Olympic medalist and holds national swimming records for Costa Rica.

At the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, Sylvia made history. She won a silver medal in the women's 200-meter freestyle event. This was the very first Olympic medal ever won by an athlete from Costa Rica! As of 2009, she and her younger sister, Claudia Poll, were the only Olympic medalists from their country. Sylvia also competed for Costa Rica at the 1992 Summer Olympics.

Early Life and Family Background

Sylvia Poll was born in Managua, Nicaragua. Her parents were from Germany. They had moved to Nicaragua, where Sylvia and her younger sister Claudia were born.

After a big earthquake in Nicaragua in 1972, and because of growing political problems, Sylvia's parents decided to move. They moved south to Costa Rica shortly after Claudia was born. Sylvia, Claudia, and their mother are not related to Marlene Ahrens, another Olympic athlete.

Swimming Achievements and Records

Sylvia Poll is well-known for her skills in backstroke and freestyle swimming. Her silver medal at the 1988 Seoul Olympics was a huge moment for Costa Rican sports.

Pan American Games Success

Sylvia won many medals at the 1987 Pan American Games. She earned a total of eight medals at these games. Two of her times from those games were still Costa Rican records in 2009. These records were for the 100-meter freestyle and the 100-meter backstroke.

Central American and Caribbean Games

At the 1986 Central American and Caribbean Games, Sylvia set new records. She set records in the women's 200-meter and 400-meter freestyle events. These records lasted for 20 years. Her sister Claudia later broke these records at the 2006 Central American and Caribbean Games.

Sylvia also set Games Records in the 100-meter and 200-meter backstroke events in 1986. These backstroke records also stood until 2006.

Champions for Peace

Today, Sylvia Poll is a member of the 'Champions for Peace' club. This group includes 54 famous athletes from around the world. They are dedicated to using sports to help bring peace to the world. This club was created by Peace and Sport, an international organization based in Monaco.

See also

In Spanish: Sylvia Poll para niños