Artificial Glider Rehm encountering genuine Competitors unexpectedly
Markus Rehm, an unbeaten champion in long jump competitions, is gearing up for the Paralympics in Paris. His long-held aspiration of reaching the remarkable distance of 9 meters seems to be on the back burner due to the tougher competition this time. His rivals are no longer just competitors, they're real threats, making his journey to the top even more challenging.
For years, Rehm, a member of the German Para team, has been working towards this moment. The highly anticipated event is set for 8:15 PM at the Stade de France in Paris, providing him with an ideal stage to etch his name into history. However, just before the big day, Rehm expresses some reservations. "It's a tad tricky right now," he admits regarding that elusive 9-meter mark he's held in his mind for so long.
The pressure on Rehm, who lost his right leg below the knee at 14 while wakeboarding, is palpable. His performance this season has been less than stellar, and his new opponents are giving him a run for his money. "It's not a given anymore," he cautions, "I must acknowledge that my competition has definitely stepped up their game. It's not just about distance, it's about winning the medal." He can't afford to slip up.
In his last competition at the Diamond League meeting in Lausanne, Rehm found himself trailing in second place until the final attempt. He narrowly clinched the victory with a small advantage. This new rivalry with American athletes Derek Loccident and Jarryd Wallace is affecting him: "I think it's safe to say no one is unaffected." Anything short of his fourth consecutive long jump gold would be "a letdown, plain and simple."
Objective: "Outdo the Olympic athletes"
Only after securing the victory with a strong jump does Rehm plan to demonstrate his capabilities at what might be his last Games. He dreams of surpassing the 8.48-meter mark set by Olympic champion Miltiadis Tentoglou a few weeks prior. "Beating the Olympic athletes at their own game. I don't think that would be so terrible," grins Rehm: "That would certainly be the objective." And as a perfectionist, he sets no limits for himself.
No one has managed to surpass the 9-meter mark, whether in the Olympic or Paralympic arena. US star Mike Powell came close with 8.95 meters back in 1991, but the record has remained untouched since. Even Rehm, who holds the Para-sport record with 8.72 meters, has yet to reach that mark. But the 36-year-old remains confident that he'll break the 9-meter barrier.
Rehm aims to outdo Olympic athletes during the Paralympics, setting his sights on surpassing Miltiadis Tentoglou's 8.48-meter mark. Despite no one in the Olympic or Paralympic arena having broken the 9-meter long jump record, Rehm remains hopeful he can become the first to achieve this feat during the Paralympics in Paris.
