[1] In May 1984 he set a world record in the 400 m medley, but could not participate in the 1984 Summer Olympics because of its boycott by East Germany.

Frustrated with lack of freedoms in his country, on 7 January 1985 Berndt spontaneously defected to the United States at the Oklahoma City airport while returning from competitions,[2] leaving his father and sister in Potsdam.

Berndt was granted asylum, enrolled to the University of Alabama, became adopted by Thomas and Becky Patterson of Birmingham, and obtained a permanent resident status.

In May 1988 he traveled from the US to Hamburg and finished within top three in two backstroke and two medley events at the national championships.

[6] After the games, he returned to the United States, graduated in public relations and marketing and worked for US companies.