"Ronaldo" Bebendorf frees himself completely following a European Championship victory.
Karl Bebendorf was just inches away from the podium during the European championship in Munich two years ago, but in Rome, he made history. He secured the bronze medal and celebrated like a true champion.
Following his victory, Bebendorf let out a scream that mimicked his sporting idol Cristiano Ronaldo. "Today is the day when I could shout 'Siuuu' so loud with a flag around my neck," said the Dresden native after claiming third place at the Athletics-EM in Rome.
Bebendorf was filled with pride after winning the bronze medal along with fulfilling the Olympic norm in an "insane" 8:14.41 minutes. The confident hurdler wore his achievement on his sleeve. "I've put in so much effort and always believed in myself. Today is a day I'll never forget," he said.
During the honorary round, Bebendorf paid homage to his idol Ronaldo in front of the ZDF television audience. Unfortunately, he had lost his starting number which was his lucky number 7. "I'm KB7, and I only wear CR7 underpants," he added playfully.
During the honorary round, Bebendorf paid homage to his idol Ronaldo in front of the ZDF television audience. Unfortunately, he had lost his starting number which was his lucky number 7. "I'm KB7, and I only wear CR7 underpants," he added playfully.
Two years ago at the home European championship in Munich, he narrowly missed the podium as he finished in fifth place. However, in the Olympic Stadium, all the pieces fell into place for Bebendorf. After a savvy race strategy over the 3000 meters, he surged to third place just before the final hurdle. If the track had been a bit longer, he might have taken home gold.
"I ran to the finish line and thought, 'what the hell just happened? I haven't felt this much fatigue in my legs in a while,'" Bebendorf said afterward. "I almost thought I was dreaming. I regret not attacking earlier."
The German Athletics Association (DLV) was thrilled with their strong performance at the European championship in the hurdling event. Out of all the events, the German team had an impressive three women and men in the final. Bronze medalist Bebendorf, silver medalist Gesa Felicitas Krause, and Frederik Ruppert who finished in fourth place were outstanding achievements from a German perspective.
