Beloved Sports Manager Regine Eichhorn Dies After Cancer Battle
Berlin, Germany – The Berlin sports community is mourning the loss of Regine Eichhorn, the longtime manager of swimming icons Franzi van Almsick and Britta Steffen, who passed away at the age of 60 following a battle with cancer. Eichhorn was a respected and quietly influential figure, known for her dedication to her athletes and her skillful navigation of the pressures of professional sport.
eichhorn began working with Franzi van Almsick as the swimmer rose to prominence in the early 1990s, expertly handling the complexities of a young athlete’s burgeoning career – from financial matters and endorsement deals to managing a constant stream of media requests. She demonstrated her professionalism and discretion during van Almsick’s highly publicized separation from handball player Stefan Kretzschmar in 2004,skillfully managing the public narrative.
Beyond the logistical demands of her role, Eichhorn forged deep, personal connections with those she represented.Van Almsick revealed in a recent ARD documentary, broadcast just two months ago, that Eichhorn was instrumental in helping her confront a personal struggle. “My manager at the time, Regine Eichhorn, noticed [my eating disorder] first, she took me aside. Only then did I realize that I had a problem. She helped me get psychological support,” van Almsick shared in the documentary.
Those who knew Eichhorn describe her as deeply empathetic and selfless.Even as her own health declined due to the cancer diagnosis, she participated in the ARD documentary, offering insights while concealing the extent of her suffering.
“Berlin’s sport is losing a personality with a lot of heart,” said a source close to the family. Eichhorn’s legacy extends beyond her professional achievements; she will be remembered as a compassionate advocate who prioritized the well-being of the athletes she served.
