- "Bronze triumph": Delighted Schulz rejoices over securing third position
Martin Schulz struggled to hold back his tears on the Pont Alexandre III in Paris, despite losing the gold medal in the triathlon after his victories at the 2016 and 2021 Paralympics. "I snagged bronze, with a hell of an exclamation point," the 34-year-old shared, explaining his emotions. "My coach didn't scribble any gaps on the board during the race, just the names of my girlfriend and my son," he added, choked up. "That pushed me to bronze."
Schulz, who was born without a left forearm, hinted that this might be his last Paralympics. "I ain't quitting," he clarified, but admitted, "I've been in competitive sports for 20 years. I've been planning for a new highlight ever since. Becoming a father last year also shifted some stuff in life. Sports evolve, that's life. I'll roll with it year by year from now on."
Schulz wasn't keen on blaming the recent water quality and current discussions in the Seine for his third place. "Frankly, that talk really grinded my gears. Look at the scenery. It's breathtaking. And the water quality wasn't a disaster. Nobody here needs to worry about gettin' sick. The view f***in' takes it all away."
Despite initially ranking sixth after swimming, Schulz fought his way back to first place on the bike. "I was pushin' my limits there. Finishing first after cycling gave me a new boost. But then those two blokes passed me. They put in a tremendous effort," he explained. In the running event, Paralympics champ Chris Hammer from the USA and Brazil's Ronan Cordeiro were simply too good. "Goin' home with a medal now feels amazing," Schulz emphasized.
Max Gelhaar secured silver in his class. The 26-year-old with half-sided spastic paralysis finished behind Spanish athlete Daniel Molina. For 750 meters of swimming, 20 kilometers on the bike, and a five-kilometer run, he needed 1:08:43 hours. "I'm pretty satisfied with my performance," said Gelhaar.
After two disciplines, Gelhaar was still in the lead. But then Molina launched a comeback. "I'd hoped to have a decent lead over him after cycling. That didn't happen. But in the end, I didn't lose gold, I won silver," Gelhaar said.
Surprisingly, bronze was won by visually impaired athlete Anja Renner with her guide Maria Paulig. "I've only been doin' triathlon for a year and a half. It's hard to believe we managed to do this in such a short time," said the 38-year-old.
Despite missing out on gold in the triathlon, Schulz refused to give up. "With three medals, we can throw a massive party in the German house."
My friend was proud of Martin Schulz's achievement, despite not securing the gold medal in Paris. Later, we celebrated together as Germany won multiple medals in the triathlon.
