Dedicated to a speed skating legend, the Gunda-Niemann-Stirnemann-Halle stands as a beacon for sports enthusiasts. This hall isn’t just any building. It’s a tribute to Gunda Niemann-Stirnemann. She is Erfurt’s most successful speed skater.
The Gunda-Niemann-Stirnemann-Halle is more than just a sports venue. It is a testament to Erfurt’s rich sporting history. It opened on December 21 2001. This hall can accommodate 4000 spectators.
Before 2001 the site was an outdoor ice rink. It was known as the Eissportzentrum. The decision to name the hall after Gunda Niemann-Stirnemann was fitting. She dominated women’s speed skating for many years.
Gunda Niemann-Stirnemann’s career is inspiring. She competed in four Olympics. These were from 1988 to 1998. She won eight Olympic medals. Three were gold, four silver and one bronze. From 1991 to 1999 she excelled. She won the World Allround Championships every year except 1994. She also holds a record of 98 World Cup single distance victories.
Inside the Gunda-Niemann-Stirnemann-Halle world-class competitions have taken place. The German Championships in speed skating were held here in 2001 2003 and 2006. In 2002 the hall hosted the European Championships. It also regularly hosts World Cup races. The German championships in various disciplines were held in March 2018.
The Gunda-Niemann-Stirnemann-Halle is one of the fastest ice tracks globally. Many records have been set here. Jenny Wolf set a record in the 100m race at 10.22 seconds. She achieved this in December 2007. She also set a 500m record in January 2009 at 37.58 seconds. Brittany Bowe set a 1000m record at 1:14.61 in March 2015.
Men have also set records here. Fengtong Yu ran the 100m in 9.56 seconds in February 2005. Pawel Kulischnikow achieved 34.71 seconds in the 500m race in March 2015. Shani Davis completed the 1000m in 1:08.40 in February 2009.
Close to the Gunda-Niemann-Stirnemann-Halle is another ice rink. It is called the Kartoffelhalle. This hall is used for ice hockey figure skating and public skating.
Gunda Niemann-Stirnemann’s achievements extend beyond the rink. She set 18 world records during her career. This includes multiple records in the 3000m and 5000m distances. Her dedication and skill earned her the Oscar Mathisen Award three times. These were in 1995 1996 and 1997.
The Gunda-Niemann-Stirnemann-Halle is a place for everyone not just professionals. It is open to the public for ice skating. The hall has even hosted ice speedway events.
So as you stand here consider Gunda Niemann-Stirnemann’s legacy. She inspired generations of athletes. The Gunda-Niemann-Stirnemann-Halle stands as a symbol of her achievements and Erfurt’s commitment to winter sports.