# Roland Matthes > German swimmer (1950–2019) **Wikidata**: [Q163055](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q163055) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roland_Matthes) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/roland-matthes ## Summary Roland Matthes was a German competitive swimmer, born in 1950 and active primarily in East Germany, who became one of the most celebrated backstroke swimmers of his era. He was inducted into multiple halls of fame, including Germany's Sports Hall of Fame and the International Swimming Hall of Fame, and was recognized as a top East German sports personality multiple times. Matthes passed away in 2019. ## Biography - Born: November 17, 1950 - Nationality: German (East Germany) - Education: Attended Friedrich Schiller University Jena - Known for: Dominating backstroke swimming in the 1960s and 1970s - Employer(s): Represented East Germany in international competition; associated with Friedrich Schiller University Jena - Field(s): Competitive swimming ## Contributions Roland Matthes was a dominant backstroke swimmer who represented East Germany at the highest levels of international competition. His contributions include: - Setting multiple world records in backstroke events during the 1960s and 1970s. - Winning Olympic and World Championship titles in backstroke disciplines. - Being inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame and Germany's Sports Hall of Fame. - Representing the pinnacle of East German swimming excellence during his era. ## FAQs ### What is Roland Matthes known for? Roland Matthes is known for being one of the greatest backstroke swimmers in history, representing East Germany in international competition, and winning multiple Olympic and world titles. ### What country did Roland Matthes represent? Roland Matthes represented the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) in international swimming competitions. ### What records or achievements did Roland Matthes earn? Roland Matthes set multiple world records in backstroke events and won gold medals in the Olympics and World Championships. He was also honored as East German Sportspersonality of the Year multiple times. ### Where was Roland Matthes educated? Roland Matthes was educated at Friedrich Schiller University Jena, which is known for its academic excellence in Germany. ### What hall of fame inducted Roland Matthes? Roland Matthes was inducted into Germany's Sports Hall of Fame and the International Swimming Hall of Fame in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. ## Why They Matter Roland Matthes is considered one of the most dominant backstroke swimmers in the history of competitive swimming. His achievements helped elevate the profile of East German swimming on the global stage. As a multiple-time record holder and Olympic champion, he influenced the sport through his performances and became a symbol of excellence in backstroke swimming. His legacy continues to inspire swimmers and remains a benchmark in the sport. ## Notable For - Setting multiple world records in backstroke swimming - Winning Olympic gold medals in backstroke events - Being a multiple-time honoree as East German Sportspersonality of the Year - Induction into Germany's Sports Hall of Fame - Induction into the International Swimming Hall of Fame - Representing East Germany with distinction in international swimming competitions - Attending Friedrich Schiller University Jena - Being recognized as a leading figure in German Democratic Republic sports history ## Body ### Early Life and Career Roland Matthes was born on November 17, 1950. He became a professional swimmer representing East Germany, a country known for its rigorous athletic training programs. Matthes specialized in backstroke events and quickly rose to prominence in the international swimming community. ### Athletic Achievements Matthes dominated the backstroke events in the 1960s and 1970s. He set multiple world records and won gold medals at the Olympics and World Championships. His technical precision and consistency in the water made him a standout athlete. He was recognized as East German Sportspersonality of the Year multiple times, a testament to his impact on the sport in his country. ### Education and Affiliations Roland Matthes was associated with Friedrich Schiller University Jena, a prestigious academic institution in Germany. His academic background complemented his athletic career, reflecting the dual emphasis East Germany placed on education and sports. ### Recognition and Legacy Roland Matthes was inducted into: - Germany's Sports Hall of Fame - The International Swimming Hall of Fame These honors recognized his contributions to competitive swimming and his role in promoting the sport. His legacy includes inspiring future generations of swimmers and contributing to the rich history of German competitive swimming. ### National and International Presence Matthes represented East Germany, a nation known for its excellence in sports. His achievements brought international recognition to his country and elevated the profile of its athletic programs. He was a symbol of East German excellence during the Cold War era. ### Passing and Legacy Roland Matthes passed away on December 20, 2019. His contributions to swimming continue to be celebrated, and his records and achievements remain a part of swimming history. His story is preserved in multiple institutions, including the International Swimming Hall of Fame and Germany's Sports Hall of Fame. ## References 1. [Source](https://www.welt.de/sport/article204516584/Deutscher-Schwimmer-Viermaliger-Olympiasieger-Roland-Matthes-gestorben.html) 2. [Source](https://www.spiegel.de/sport/sonst/roland-matthes-ddr-schwimmerlegende-mit-69-jahren-gestorben-a-1302494.html) 3. [Source](https://www.digitalniknihovna.cz/mzk/view/uuid:6905bc60-0a02-11ee-86bd-005056827e52?page=uuid:cd9acd90-0a2b-11ee-958a-5ef3fcdaa9a7) 4. Virtual International Authority File 5. Encyclopædia Britannica Online 6. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie 7. [Source](https://www.lequipe.fr/Natation/Actualites/Le-quadruple-champion-olympique-roland-matthes-est-mort-a-69-ans/1092614) 8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013