Jenny Mensing
Jenny Mensing is a backstroke specialist and European champion from Berlin, Germany. Born February 26, 1986 in Berlin, Mensing began swimming at a young age, but really broke out as a world class swimmer in 2006 when she took 3rd at the German Championships. Not long after she qualified for her first Olympic Games in 2012, and she’s vying for a spot on Germany’s 2016 Olympic Team. In addition to a swimming career Mensing is also a police commissioner.
Early career
Mensing began advancing to the international swimming scene around 20 years old, when she won a bronze medal in the 100-meter back at the 2006 German Championships. At the next two consecutive German Championships, Mensing won the championship title in 200-meter backstroke.
In 2010, just a few years after truly breaking out, Mensing made the European Championships roster, and took bronze in the 100-meter back. She also helped her 4×100-meter medley relay team win another bronze medal.
2012 London Olympics
Just before qualifying for the London Olympics, Mensing competed at the 2012 European Championships, where she won two gold medals in the 100 back and the 4×100 medley relay. Although she had more recently been winning in the 100-meter distance, Mensing swam both backstroke distances in London. She finished 15th in the 200 back and 21st in the 100 back.
2013 World Championships
In April 2013 Mensing was announced as a member of Germany’s 2013 World Championship Team, but soon after she was pulled from the team siting “health reasons”. The decision was made after health issues prevented her from training regularly.
2014 World Short Course Championships
In November 2014 Mensing was selected to the 2014 Short Course World Championships roster in Doha. She advanced to the semi-finals of the 200-meter back, but finished 14th, just about two seconds off from making the championship final. She also took 34th in the 100-meter back.
2015 World Championships in Kazan
In 2015 Mensing was selected to yet another World Championships roster. She finished 21st in the 100-meter back, but had much more success in the 200. After advancing to the semi-finals, Mensing finished 8th and advanced to the championship final. Swimming all the way in late 8, Mensing took out her first 100 meters much stronger than her preliminary or semi-final swim. She had a great last 50 to race down one more swimmer, after turning in 6th at the 150, and finish 5th in the final.
