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 known for being an Olympic medalist and holding national records in swimming.

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! Sylvia and her younger sister, Claudia, are the only Olympic medalists from Costa Rica. Sylvia also swam for Costa Rica at the 1992 Summer Olympics.

Early Life and Family

Sylvia Poll was born in Managua, Nicaragua. Her parents were from Germany. They had settled in Nicaragua, where Sylvia and her younger sister Claudia were born. After a big earthquake in 1972 and some political problems, Sylvia's parents decided to move. They moved their family south to Costa Rica shortly after Claudia was born.

It's interesting to know that Sylvia, her sister Claudia, and their mother are not related to Marlene Ahrens. Marlene was another Olympic athlete and medalist from Latin America, also with German parents.

Amazing Swimming Achievements

Sylvia Poll was a fantastic swimmer, especially in freestyle and backstroke events. She brought a lot of pride to Costa Rica with her many wins.

Olympic Success

Sylvia's silver medal at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul was a huge moment for Costa Rican sports. It showed the world that athletes from Costa Rica could compete at the highest level.

Pan American Games

Sylvia won many medals at the 1987 Pan American Games. She earned a total of 8 medals there! Two of her times from those Games were so fast that they were still Costa Rican Records in 2009. These records were for the 100 meter freestyle and 100 meter backstroke. She also won a gold medal at the 1991 Pan American Games in Havana for the 100 meter backstroke.

Central American and Caribbean Games

At the 1986 Central American and Caribbean Games, Sylvia set new Games 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 them at the 2006 Games. Sylvia also set Games Records in the 100 meter and 200 meter backstroke at the 1986 Games, which 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 helping bring peace to the world through sports. This club was created by Peace and Sport, an international organization based in Monaco.

See also

• List of Costa Rican records in swimming