She debuted internationally at the 1969 European Championships, where she – as a last minute substitute – won a silver medal in the 200 m and a gold in the 4 × 100 m relay.

The following year, Stecher set (hand timed) world records in both sprint events, also becoming the first woman to beat 11 seconds.

[5] In Rome at the 1974 European Championships she was defeated in both the 100 m and 200 m, by Irena Szewińska of Poland and had to settle for silver in both distances.

However the GDR 4 × 100 m relay team, in which Stecher ran the second leg, won the gold medal in a world record time.

[2] Following the release of East German secret service files, it was revealed that many of the country's athletes were involved with a state-sponsored drug program.