- Brandenburg athletes in a state of tension ahead of Paralympics
Only a few more days until the Paralympic Games: Brandenburg's disabled athletes are currently preparing intensively for the games in Paris. "The competitions are always something special," said javelin thrower Francés Herrmann. For the 35-year-old, these will be her fifth Paralympics. She is already looking forward to the audience, the togetherness with the other athletes, and the food in France.
A total of 14 para-athletes from Brandenburg will compete in the Paris games from August 26th. Twelve of them belong to the Brandenburg Prevention and Rehabilitation Sports Club based in Cottbus. They will be accommodated like the Olympians in the Olympic Village. In the German House, the athletes can come together and celebrate victories together.
Herrmann expects a lively event. "I believe the venues will be well-attended, my mother hasn't been able to get any tickets for athletics," said Herrmann. After the spectator-less games in Tokyo during the pandemic, she is looking forward to this experience in a full house.
Perhaps even flag bearer?
Herrmann still has ambitions after winning several paralympic medals: "I'm not going to Paris to come in last." However, the performance level in her sport is very high. "The field is closely packed, it will probably come down to who's in form on the day."
The icing on the cake for Herrmann could be being named the German flag bearer at the opening ceremony. She has already been shortlisted, she revealed. The decision will be made in the coming week but will only be published shortly before the paralympic games.
The Paralympics follow the Olympic Games in Paris from July 26th to August 11th. A total of 4,400 athletes from 182 nations will compete in 22 sports.
Herrmann's mother is excited to attend the Paralympic Games in France, as she was unable to get tickets for the athletics events during the previous games in Tokyo. After the challenging spectator-less games during the pandemic, France is eager to experience the lively atmosphere of a full house in Paris.
