Definition
Sandra Friedli is a Swiss former slalom canoeist who competed internationally in the 1990s, representing Switzerland in major competitions such as the Olympic Games and World Championships.
Overview
Friedli’s active career in canoe slalom spanned the early to late 1990s. She participated in the women’s K‑1 (single kayak) event at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, where she placed 12th overall. In addition to her Olympic appearance, Friedli competed at several International Canoe Federation (ICF) Canoe Slalom World Championships and European Championships, achieving rankings that placed her among Switzerland’s leading female slalom athletes of that period. Following her retirement from competition, she has remained a figure within the Swiss canoeing community, though specific post‑competitive activities are not widely documented.
Etymology / Origin
The surname “Friedli” is of Swiss‑German origin, derived from the personal name “Friedrich,” meaning “peaceful ruler.” The given name “Sandra” is a diminutive of “Alessandra” or “Alexandra,” which have Greek roots meaning “defender of mankind.” Together, the name reflects common naming conventions in German‑speaking Switzerland.
Characteristics
- Sport discipline: Canoe slalom, specifically the women’s K‑1 (kayak single) category.
- National representation: Competed for Switzerland in international events.
- Competitive era: Primarily active in the 1990s, with her Olympic participation recorded in 1996.
- Performance highlights: 12th place finish in the K‑1 event at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics; participation in multiple ICF World Cup and World Championship races.
Related Topics
- Canoe slalom (sport)
- Switzerland at the 1996 Summer Olympics
- International Canoe Federation (ICF)
- Women's K‑1 (kayak single) event
- List of Swiss Olympic canoeists
Note: While the above information is drawn from publicly available sports records, detailed personal data such as exact birth date and post‑sport career specifics are not comprehensively documented in widely recognized encyclopedic sources.