Lindemeier recovers from lung infection Top swimmer to take a break One of the country’s top swimmers, Daniela Lindemeier, has recovered from a recurring lung infection and will now decide on her swimming future. JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA Namibia’s swimming sensation Daniela Lindemeier has fully recovered from a lung infection, her mother Sonja Lindemeier confirmed yesterday.
The 24-year old swimmer has had a rough year after twice being diagnosed with lung infection.
She first became ill in October 2015 after the All-Africa Games, and a second time in March this year.
The illness was one of the reasons why she failed to qualify for the 2016 Olympics.
Her mother says Daniela is now recuperating at home.
Speaking in a telephonic interview she said, “My daughter is well now following tough moments she had to endure in her career.
“She decided to take a rest from all swimming pool activities for the remainder of the year.
“I do not know what she has planned for next year at the moment, but I will support her in whatever decision she takes.
“She is a very talented swimmer and we all know that she has a great future ahead of her.”
The swimmer was last seen competing in the Bank Windhoek swimming gala back in February.
She has been Namibia’s only Olympic swimming hope since the era of Jorg Lindemeier (1992, 1996, 2000 Olympics) and Monica Dahl (1992 and 1996 Olympics).
Her coach, Rian Skinner, believes that a rest will be good for the 50m, 100m and 200m breaststroke 2015 All-Africa Games bronze medallist.
The coach added that it will be up to Lindemeier to decide whether she would try qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.
“She has had a rough year and that is why we decided she needed to recover from all the disappointments.
“Lindemeier is one of the best swimmers to come out of this country which makes me a happy coach.
“I have not been in contact with her for a while now, seeing that it was best she cleared her mind from all swimming activities,” Skinner said in an interview.
The coach said it is doubtful that he will continue coaching her next year, since she might be studying abroad.