Friedrich won her first German indoor title in 2002 and then set a German record of 5:42.55 for the infrequently held indoor 2000 m event. She was eighth at the 2002 European Cup and retained her outdoor national title. On her continental championship debut at the 2002 European Athletics Championships she placed fourth in her heat, but the two-round format meant she did not make the final. She ended her season with her first and only senior international medal at the 2002 IAAF World Cup, claiming the bronze medal for the German team.