Rico Freimuth
A German decathlon silver medalist whose career was a testament to resilience, battling back from injury to reach the world podium.
Born 1988 (age 38)·German decathlete·Birthday: March 14·Millennials
Biography
Rico Freimuth carried a famous surname in German athletics—his father was decathlon bronze medalist Uwe Freimuth—but he forged his own path to the world stage. Specializing in the grueling ten-event decathlon, Freimuth was known for his explosive speed and power, particularly in the sprints and throws. His career was a rollercoaster of high peaks and frustrating valleys, often hampered by injuries. The pinnacle came in 2017 at the World Championships in London, where he put together a series of personal bests to claim the silver medal, finishing behind only the dominant Frenchman Kevin Mayer. This moment of triumph was hard-won, following a bronze in 2015, and solidified his place among the world's best all-around athletes before his retirement.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Rico was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Rico Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Rico's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the silver medal in the decathlon at the 2017 World Athletics Championships in London.
- Earned the bronze medal in the decathlon at the 2015 World Athletics Championships in Beijing.
- Represented Germany in the decathlon at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
- Achieved a personal best decathlon score of 8663 points in 2017.
Did You Know?
His father, Uwe Freimuth, won a bronze medal in the decathlon at the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow.
He was a talented junior soccer player before focusing fully on athletics.
He struggled with several significant injuries throughout his career, including back problems.
His 2017 World Championships silver medal was Germany's first in the decathlon since 1999.
“The decathlon is the art of mastering ten different battles in two days.”
