Germany's expectations for the European Athletics Championships
German athletes shone at the European Championships in Munich, taking home four gold medals. Some of the reigning champions are also seeking glory this time in Rome, and among them are an all-rounder and a high jumper extraordinaire.
Max Dehning: In February, the European champion Julian Weber did not falter. Dehning, a young athlete from Leverkusen, threw the javelin a spectacular 90.20 meters, earning him the top spot on the year-best list. He broke through the sound barrier, which only five Germans had ever achieved before. Now, Dehning aims to showcase his talent on the EM stage and perhaps rival Weber, who is defending his title. Although his 90-meter throw was exceptional, the 19-year-old had been hovering around the 80-meter mark lately.
Gesa Felicitas Krause: The return of Krause has been nothing short of astonishing. After taking a break to have a baby, she set the Olympic qualifying time of 9:16.24 minutes in her first international race. Over 645 days had passed since her last 3000-meter steeplechase, and it was over a year since she became a mom to her daughter Lola. Krause won European gold in 2016 and 2018, and in 2012 she took bronze. Another podium finish is anticipated from her this season, making her the fastest European in Rome.
Clemens Prüfer: Shell-shocking was Prüfer's throw at 69.09 meters in the discus, which propelled him into the world elite. The 26-year-old soldier exclaimed, "The discus was really gone!" Fellow Germans Henrik Janssen (Magdeburg/67.43) and Mika Sosna (Hamburg/68.96) also hold promising chances. However, they are not the only ones gunning for the podium – the world record holder Mykolas Alekna (74.35) is also in the mix.
Yemisi Ogunleye: Her astounding performance at the Indoor World Championships last winter was a big surprise. Ogunleye improved her personal best in the shot put by 62 centimeters to 20.19 meters, earning her the silver medal. In the past, she had tossed the 4-kilogram ball 19.40 meters, and now, as the best of the ongoing outdoor season, the 25-year-old Mannheim athlete is a strong contender for medals.
Malaika Mihambo: Yes, you got it right. Long jump queen Malaika Mihambo is currently titling as the vice-European champion. Despite battling a coronavirus infection during the Munich meet two years ago, she still managed to secure a podium spot. This year, the 30-year-old is back after a thigh injury healing. Although she hasn't achieved a 7-meter jump yet this year, her two-time world title pasionately declares her among the top contenders. Malaika Mihambo has shown numerous times that she is mentally strong and can unleash her performance potential right when it matters the most.
Gina Lückenkemper: With a difference of a thousandth of a second, the 100-meter sprint is a cutthroat affair. Lückenkemper is one of the defending German champions. She's serious and says in a ZDF video, "I have a title to defend. Who knew I'd get to say that. I'm really looking forward to it again." In 2022, she reclaimed gold in an intense competition with a photo finish – her time was 10.99 seconds. "Behind my name is: Qualified by Wildcard. I've never had that before," she beams with pride, happy about her achievement. And that's why, she reveals with excitement, "I'm looking forward to the European Championships in Rome. I know it won't be easy, but I'm ready."
