Astrid Sperling is a talented swimmer who hails from Halle, Germany, a town south of Berlin. She has spent seven years honing her gift, attending a high school geared to athletes, and even qualified for the European Junior Championships. As a teenager, Sperling traveled all over the world -- Denmark, South Africa, Spain, and the Czech Republic. "That was one of the best things -- getting to see so many places," Sperling comments. So exactly how did her travels lead her to the other side of the ocean in Baltimore, MD? Enter the job she had as a nanny in nearby Columbia.

Sperling spent a year employed as a nanny and it was during this time that she researched possible scholarship opportunities at universities. "I sent out letters to different universities to see if there were any scholarships available and a list of my times," Sperling says. Her search for an educational institution that could also feed her love for swimming was answered at UMBC, where Sperling started attending in the winter of 2001. Now a junior interdisciplinary studies major, Sperling is gearing up for the United States Nationals, where she will compete in the 100 and 200 backstroke. The event will be held April 1 through 5 in Indianapolis.

At the ECAC Championships, Sperling won the 100 backstroke in a school-record time of 57.00. She also posted an ECAC record and NCAA "B" cut time of 2:00.53 to take the 200 backstroke.

Looking at Sperling's accomplishments, no one would ever think that she went two years without swimming. "It was too much stress, managing school and swimming," she says, reflecting on her senior year of high school. Once she moved to America, Sperling took her second year off, but returned with a renewed passion and dedication for the sport in 2000. Her training was obvious to all when she recorded 2:00.53 in the 200 backstroke.

Sperling commends Coach Chad Cradock and Assistant Coach Tom Himes with motivating her to work as hard as she can. "I like to be pushed," she explains. Her affection for her team members and the coaching staff is obvious, as is her distress at the thought of her graduation next year. "I'm really sad because I only have one year of swimming left," Sperling says.

With the season over, Sperling competes with the Retriever Aquatic Club. "It's up to the athlete," Sperling reflects, "I need something to look forward to. I need a goal."

- Jennifer Leigh Gibson