East German swimmer Kristin Otto, who won...

East German swimmer Kristin Otto, who won six gold medals at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, says she sees nothing wrong with star athletes cashing in on their status by getting cars, big apartments and money.

“Why should I hide?” she said. “Just because I drive a Peugeot that I bought from my victory bonuses or own a three-room apartment?”

Otto, 23, who was quoted in the Communist youth daily Junge Welt as saying she decided to retire, defended the benefits East German sports stars are reported to receive.

Otto said the rewards were justified for high-performance athletes who followed “a strict regime in life.” She said she now plans to complete her journalism studies.