Fly, Albatross, Fly! – Michael Groß's Life Beyond Olympic Glory

This feature article profiles Michael Groß, the German swimming legend known as the 'Albatross,' who dominated the sport in the 1980s. It recounts his iconic double gold performance at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, where he set world records in the 100m butterfly and 200m butterfly. Despite his immense success—three Olympic golds, five world titles, and twelve world records—Groß reveals that his true life vision was to become an airline pilot, a dream thwarted by his height. Now 62, he works as an entrepreneur and honorary professor. The article emphasizes his loyalty to his childhood club, his consistent character, and his perspective that Olympic victory was merely a phase goal, not his overarching life vision.