German Athletics: Enough for Europe – Sports

What has not been reprimanded about German athletics in the past few weeks. The federation traveled to Eugene in the United States with 80 athletes, and the result was two mediocre medals.

That’s not much, compared to the staff and financial efforts, it’s a joke. And now at the European Championships in Munich? It rains medals, even golds. Richard Ringer in the marathon, Niklas Cole in the decathlon and even Gina Lokenkemper in the 100 metres.

Was all this excitement in vain, the painted picture of German athletics was very bleak?

Little. A negative result at the World Championships a few weeks ago in Eugene was expected. The most important event of the season for most German athletes was obviously Munich. The chances of success and media attention are greater in the country.

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However, in the midst of the euphoria of the early days of the European Championship, the criticism that arose should not be forgotten. There are very few qualified coaches in this country to keep up with the best in the world. Because this is not enough at the moment. Example: With 10.99 seconds on Tuesday, Lückenkemper could have been penultimate in Eugene’s final round.

The reversal of the direction the German Olympic Sports Federation had hoped can only be achieved with the right staff. This, in turn, will ultimately cost taxpayers money.

The question now is whether society in this country is at all interested in German athletes once again becoming world leaders in future Olympic sports such as athletics. Or whether it is not enough to be happy with German successes in continental competitions.